A University of Otago - Ōtākou Whakaihu Waka researcher is calling for urgent and targeted regulatory action towards vaping, as her recent research shows the discreet design of vaping devices has fostered vaping normalisation and uptake among young Māori.
Dr Robin Quigg of the Department of Preventive and Social Medicine investigated the context of vaping use among young Māori in what is believed to be the first kaupapa Māori study (using group interviews within a kaupapa Māori framework) published in a peer-reviewed journal, Nicotine & Tobacco Research.
Participants, most of whom were aged between 18 and 26 years, more than half had never smoked, but used vapes currently or had previously, reported vape use as easy to conceal, as the devices were small and inconspicuous; these features, together with nicotine addiction, encouraged on-going vaping.
"Our findings suggest the design of vaping devices, particularly their discreteness, has fostered the vaping's normalisation and continuing uptake by young people," Dr Quigg says.
"It was normalised to vape anywhere, particularly inside public buildings, such as libraries, club rooms and lecture theatres. It was made easy by the design and features of the devices, with their compact size, either lack of or sweet odour and discreet vapour production. Simultaneously, the nicotine content drove the need to vape inside and out.
"There is a need for urgent and targeted regulatory action regarding vaping devices. Current policy struggles to keep pace with the evolving nature of nicotine products in Aotearoa New Zealand."
Based on her research, Dr Quigg suggests policy makers should consider introducing stricter regulations on vape device design; for example, mandating larger device sizes, designs that are more therapeutic than lifestyle, and flavours that give rise to more pungent and less appealing odours.
"These attributes would reduce vape devices' concealability and reinforce the integrity of indoor environments such as libraries, lecture theatres and bars, as well as outdoor places that have smokefree status, such as urupā, marae grounds and playgrounds."
However, the research also concludes that stricter regulation on vaping devices alone will not adequately protect young people. "Instead, stronger measures must be implemented to reduce the appeal of vaping."
Publication details
"Stealth vaping is everywhere": the narratives of young Māori adults in New Zealand
Robin Quigg, Louise Marsh and Sade Gilbert-Perenise
Nicotine & Tobacco Research
