The Impacts of the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Canadian Adolescents’ Vaping Behaviors: A Mixed-Method Investigation

Within the Canadian context, vaping among adolescents had increased in the years prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent vaping behavior is influenced by individual, social, and environmental factors. The onset of COVID-19 further altered these influences due to lockdowns and physical distancing policies. Using a qualitatively driven convergent mixed methods design, the aim of this study was twofold: (1) to quantitatively measure changes in adolescent vaping behaviors during the first wave of the pandemic; and (2) to qualitatively explore perceptions and experiences of adolescent vaping during this time. Data were used from a larger study including 851 Canadian adolescents, however, only those who reported they had ever vaped were included (n = 174; Mage = 16.8). Descriptive analysis revealed 52.4% of vape users reduced use, 13.1% quit, and 34.5% reported an increase in or no change in vaping frequency. Following an inductive summative content analysis, four themes were identified: (1) reduced access and perceived support, (2) fewer negative peer norms and influence of the school environment, (3) coping mechanism, and (4) minimized resistance skills (boredom). It is evident that the pandemic was a key factor underlying vaping behavior, thus understanding these patterns may help inform policy, prevention, and lessen health risks associated with use.