ABSTRACT

Adolescent vaping is an escalating public health concern in the United States (U.S.), with many youths unaware of its health risks and addiction potential. Aggressive marketing, including social media promotions, flavored products, and concealable designs, further targets this vulnerable population. A literature review was conducted to identify factors driving increased vaping and to determine effective interventions. One promising strategy is school-based anti-vaping education, which addresses peer pressure while providing critical health risk information. In this evidence-based project, the CATCH My Breath prevention program was implemented with seventh- and eighth-grade students in a Southwestern U.S. school. Guided by the Social Learning Theory, which emphasizes the impact of peer influence on high-risk behaviors, the project secured expedited Institutional Review Board approval, parental consent, and student assent. After the educational sessions, students completed the University of North Carolina Perceived Message Effectiveness Tool, a validated measure of health messaging efficacy. Descriptive statistics revealed that 85% of participants were concerned about the health effects of vaping, 82% agreed that vaping seems unpleasant, and 78% reported that the program discouraged them from vaping. These findings highlight the potential of school-based interventions to alter adolescents’ perceptions and reduce their intent to vape.