Exploring initiation process and cultural identity towards young adult vapers in China: a qualitative comparison between single and dual users

Jingzhong Xie ^*

• Zhongnan University of Economics and Law, Wuhan, China

Background: E-cigarette communication with conflicting views significantly shapes young people's knowledge and attitudes, which are precursor predictors of their usage behavior. This study aims to explore the initiation process and perspectives on e-cigarettes from young adult vapers in China, especially in terms of culture.In-depth one-on-one personal interviews and focus groups with 47 young adult vapers in China were conducted to understand their e-cigarette usage behavior and cultural understanding. Thematic analysis was employed to identify themes related to their initiation process and the cultural identity of e-cigarette use.Result: Three themes emerged regarding e-cigarette usage behavior among the young adult were identified: (i) e-cigarette initiation process and use pattern, (ii) temporal orientations towards risks and benefits, and (iii) self-construction of individual and relationship. The latter two themes reflect the cultural understanding that young adult vapers hold about e-cigarettes.Our qualitative evidence suggests that while single and dual users share a similar initiation process in general, their behavioral structures differ in significant ways in detail. Cultural factors such as time orientation and self-construction are crucial for tailoring health messages and designing interventions aimed at reducing e-cigarette use and addressing addiction among young adult vapers.