Effects of vaping on physical and mental health in at-risk populations (VAPE): mixed-methods study of motivations for and perspectives on vaping in patients with opioid use disorder

BACKGROUND: Vaping is increasing in popularity. Vape products are offered in a wide variety and promise to reduce harms associated with cigarette smoking, among other claims. The motivations for vaping in patients with substance use disorder are largely unknown. AIMS: To describe perceptions and motivations regarding vaping among patients with opioid use disorder (OUD) who vape. METHOD: A convergent mixed-methods study design was used, and individual, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 41 individuals with OUD who were receiving medication for OUD and also vaped. An inductive data-driven approach was employed to characterise perspectives on vaping. RESULTS: The mean ages at which participants had been introduced to vaping and initiated regular vaping were 33.95 years (s.d. 12.70) and 34.85 years (s.d. 12.38), respectively. Daily vaping (85%) of nicotine, flavoured nicotine or cannabis was common, with 27% reporting vaping both nicotine and cannabis. Qualitative analysis identified 14 themes describing motivations for vaping, including viewing vaping as a smoking cessation tool, convenience and popularity among youth. CONCLUSIONS: Mixed-methods findings indicated that patients with OUD who vape perceived vaping to be healthier, cleaner and more convenient than cigarette and cannabis smoking, without appreciating the health risks. The perspectives reflected the importance of health education, guidelines and screening tools for vaping and could provide direction for healthcare providers and future vaping cessation programmes.