A comparison of the characteristics of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who vape, dual-use, and smoke commercial tobacco and want to quit: cross-sectional findings from the which way? Quit pack study

Abstract

Introduction To compare the characteristics of people who vape, smoke commercial tobacco, or engage in dual use among a cohort of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people participating in the Which Way? Quit Pack study. Methods An online cross-sectional survey was conducted with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who: were aged 16 and above; resided in New South Wales, Victoria, and the Australian Capital Territory; smoked commercial tobacco and/or vaped; and wanted to quit. Data were collected from October 2, 2023 to August 9, 2024. Self-reported sociodemographic characteristics and cessation experiences were assessed, and differences were examined based on whether participants used commercial tobacco only, vaping only, or both. Results A total of 880 participants completed the survey and were included for analysis. Participants predominantly smoked commercial tobacco only (n = 614; 69.8%), followed by dual-use (n = 170; 19.3%) and vaping only (n = 96; 10.9%). Participants <25 years were significantly more likely to engage in vaping and dual-use compared with all other age groups. Participants living in outer regional and remote areas were less likely to report dual-use (95% CI = 0.32, 1.00; P = .049) and less likely to use vapes (95% CI = 0.11, 0.56; P < .001) than those in major cities. Women were more likely to use vapes than men (95% CI = 1.46, 5.90; P = .002). Regardless of use type, participants reported an interest in cessation medications. Conclusions This study highlights important differences in smoking and vaping behaviors among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people seeking to quit warranting further investment and research. Tailored cessation support that reflects the diverse experiences and needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in relation to age, gender, and geographic location is needed.Implications The high use of vapes and dual use among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, young people, and those living in major cities highlights the critical need for equitable, targeted cessation support for populations subjected to targeted marketing. Increased access to evidence-based support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, regardless of their nicotine and tobacco use type, is needed to empower nicotine-free generations. Show more