2334 - NEW DIRECTIONS FOR VAPING PREVENTION: MAIN OUTCOMES FROM A CLUSTER RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL OF THE OURFUTURES VAPING PROGRAM

Session: D08S003 - Behavioural Change & Preventive Interventions 3
AUTHORS:
Egan Lyra (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Gardner Lauren (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Rowe Amy-Leigh (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Stockings Emily (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Champion Katrina (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Hides Leanne (University of Queensland ~ Brisbane ~ Australia) , Mcbride Nyanda (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , Steve Allsop (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , O'Dean Siobhan (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Sunderland Matthew (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Lee Yong Yi (Monash University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Mihalopoulos Cathérine (Monash University ~ Melbourne ~ Australia) , Becky Freeman (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Leung Janni (University of Queensland ~ Brisbane ~ Australia) , Mcrobbie Hayden (University of New South Wales ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Stapinski Lexine (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Lee Nicole (Curtin University ~ Perth ~ Australia) , Thornton Louise (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Birrell Louise (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Teesson Maree (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia) , Newton Nicola (The University of Sydney ~ Sydney ~ Australia)
Abstract text:
Introduction
E-cigarette use ('vaping') is prevalent among adolescents, with emerging evidence of adverse physical and mental health effects. Effective behaviour change interventions are urgently needed, and school is an ideal setting for delivery. This study evaluated the efficacy of the digital OurFutures Vaping Program; a universal school-based preventive intervention targeting e-cigarette use.


Method
A cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in 40 secondary schools across three Australian states. Schools were randomised to either receive the OurFutures Vaping Program or Year 7/8 health education as usual. The primary outcome was e-cigarette use at 12-months, measured via self-report surveys. Secondary outcomes were tobacco cigarette use, intentions to use e-cigarettes/tobacco cigarettes, knowledge about e-cigarettes/tobacco cigarettes, motives and attitudes relating to e-cigarettes, self-efficacy to resist peer pressure and refuse e-cigarettes, mental health, quality of life, and resource utilisation. Generalised mixed-effects regression analyses investigated whether the intervention reduced the likelihood of primary and secondary outcomes.


Results
A total of 5,157 Year 7/8 students (Mage=13.3yrs, SD=0.6; 46% female) participated. At baseline, the prevalence of lifetime e-cigarette use was 8.3%, and past 30-day use was 1.97%. Compared to the control group, intervention group participants had lower odds of reporting vaping uptake at both 6-months (OR=0.48, 95%CI=0.24-0.95, p=0.035) and 12-months (OR=0.35, 95%CI=0.18-0.66, p<0.001). Full analysis findings will be presented at ICAP 2026.


Conclusions
This is the first rigorous evaluation of a school-based digital program targeting e-cigarette use among Australian adolescents. The OurFutures Vaping Program has the potential to make a substantial health and economic impact in Australia and worldwide.