VAPING PREVENTION AMONG THE YOUTH POPULATION IN PITT COUNTY

Abstract

Vaping and nicotine products have been identified as an increasing problem in schools in the U.S. Although electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are relatively new, they pose a significant issue. The primary focus of this study will be analyzing and implementing the program Catch my Breath in Pitt County schools. Coordinated Approach to Child Health (CATCH) My Breath; is an evidence-based vaping prevention program that utilizes a “peer-led teaching approach”; is currently one of the few school-based vaping prevention programs that is used to reduce nicotine usage among adolescents. Select ECU students will undergo a training process for the Catch My Breath program curriculum. After training, ECU students will present the Catch My Breath program to the students in Pitt County Schools. Additionally, interviews about the current trends disciplinary measures taken towards students that are caught vaping in Pitt County School will be conducted with the administrative staff for Pitt County Schools. Research results can aid in the discussion towards implementing an effective vaping education program for adolescents in schools. Results from this study can provide more insight on how to effectively implement the CATCH My Breath prevention program in rural schools.