Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Vaping Cessation Using the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation Among E-Cigarette Users

This study aims to find the best way to help people stop using e-cigarettes. It's designed for current vapers in Ontario, Canada. Participants will be split into two groups: one receiving counselling and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and the other receiving only counselling. Researchers will track how many people in each group manage to stop vaping over a year. While e-cigarettes are not approved in Canada for helping to quit smoking, and NRT isn't specifically approved for quitting vaping, this study hopes to find strong evidence to guide doctors and patients. Many young people now vape, and there's a need for clear, evidence-based ways to help them stop.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Ottawa Heart Institute Research Corporation

Enrolment target

180

Start

11 Jul 2024

Estimated completion

01 Dec 2026

Tobacco Smoking Vaping

What is this study about?

Vaping has become very common, especially among young people, and often delivers a lot more nicotine than traditional cigarettes. While some people use e-cigarettes to try and stop smoking, there are concerns that they might also lead some to start smoking regular cigarettes, or even increase how much they smoke.

At the moment, there isn't a clear, proven way to help people quit vaping. This study wants to change that. It's looking at a specific support programme called the Ottawa Model for Smoking Cessation (OMSC), which usually combines talking to a counsellor with treatments like nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). NRT, like patches or gum, is approved for quitting smoking, but not yet specifically for quitting vaping.

Researchers want to see if adding NRT to counselling makes it easier for people to stop vaping compared to just having counselling alone. By comparing these two approaches, the study hopes to provide clear, reliable advice for doctors and for anyone who wants to stop vaping, showing what methods are most effective.

Key takeaways

This study aims to find the best way to help people quit vaping.
It compares counselling alone versus counselling plus nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
Participants will be followed for a full year to track their progress.
Currently, there's no official, evidence-based treatment for quitting vaping.
All participants will receive some form of counselling support.

Who may be eligible?

To take part in this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and live in the Canadian province of Ontario. You should also be able to speak either English or French. Most importantly, you must be a regular e-cigarette user, meaning you've been vaping at least once a week for the past month.

There are also some reasons why you wouldn't be able to join. For example, if you have mental health issues that would make it hard to take part, or if you live in a retirement or nursing home, you wouldn't be eligible. You also can't be in another programme at the same time that helps people stop smoking or vaping. Lastly, if you know you're allergic or can't use nicotine replacement therapies, this study might not be right for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or older?
Do you live in Ontario, Canada?
Do you regularly vape (at least once a week for the past month)?
Are you able to speak English or French?
Are you NOT currently in another programme to quit smoking or vaping?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll first have a counselling session where you'll get advice on how to stop vaping. You'll be asked to keep a record of your vaping and smoking habits for seven days. After this week, you'll be randomly placed into one of two groups. One group will continue with counselling and also receive nicotine replacement therapy (like patches or gum). The other group will continue with counselling only. Everyone will have follow-up check-ins with the research team at one, three, six, and twelve months after starting the study. The total duration of your involvement will be about one year.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part might help you to stop vaping, and you'll receive support and advice during the process. However, as with any treatment, there might be side effects from nicotine replacement therapy, such as skin irritation from patches or mild stomach upset, although these are usually mild. There's also no guarantee that the programme will work for everyone. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

The University of Ottawa Heart Institute
Verified postcode
Ottawa, Canada

Common questions

What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?

NRT products, like patches, gum, or lozenges, give you nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes or vapes. They help reduce cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

Will I know which group I'm in?

Yes, once you're assigned, you will know if you are receiving counselling with NRT, or counselling only.

What if I decide I don't want to continue?

You are free to leave the study at any time, for any reason, without any problems or questions asked.

Is counselling part of both groups?

Yes, everyone in the study will receive counselling and tips to help them stop vaping.

How long will the study last for me?

Your participation will involve an initial session and follow-ups over a total period of 12 months.