Using a protection motivation theory framework to reduce vaping intention and behaviour in Canadian university students who regularely vape: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Using Protection Motivation Theory (PMT), we examined the effect of threat appraisal information (perceived vulnerability-PV and perceived severity-PS) to reduce vaping intentions, and in turn reduce vaping use. Canadian university students (n = 77) who vape regularly were randomized to either PMT or attention control treatment conditions. Data were collected at baseline and 3 time points after the intervention: Day 7, Day 30, and Day 45. Participants assigned to the PMT group showed significant increases in PV, PS, and intentions to vape less (p ⩽ 0.05) compared to those in the attention control group. Less convincing evidence was found between treatment groups for vaping use. PS and PV predicted vaping intentions, whereas vaping intentions did not predict vaping use. It is suggested through this study that the threat appraisal components of PMT can be successfully manipulated to reduce the intentions to vape and to a lesser extent reduce vaping use among University vapers.