Otago Study Reveals Design Flaws in Vaping Devices Encourage Use

A recent study conducted by Dr. Robin Quigg at the University of Otago highlights how the design of vaping devices contributes to their normalization among young people, particularly within Māori communities. The research focused on the vaping habits of young Māori, revealing significant concerns about the ease of use and concealment of these devices.

Dr. Quigg’s investigation included seven whakarōpū (collective groups) and utilized a kaupapa Māori framework to understand the context of vaping. Findings indicated that participants aged between 18 and 26 years reported that vaping had become normalized in various settings, including public buildings like libraries and lecture theatres. “It was normalised to vape anywhere,” Dr. Quigg stated, emphasizing that more than half of the participants had never smoked traditional cigarettes but were active or former users of vaping products.

The study revealed that the discreet design of vaping devices encourages ongoing use and potential nicotine addiction. Many participants noted that these devices can be easily hidden, facilitating their use in inappropriate locations, including sacred spaces. One individual remarked, “I see people walking around the whole marae complex and vape, even on the ātea,” referring to communal areas. This behavior has raised concerns about its inconsistency with tikanga, or Māori customs.

Despite the existence of designated vaping areas on most marae, some locations maintain strict ‘auahi kore’ or smoke-free policies. Observations from participants indicated that while smokers often migrate to designated smoking zones, many vapers do not adhere to these guidelines. “You would see a lot of people who are smoking cigarettes move out to the [smoking] zone, but a lot of people who are vaping won’t,” one participant noted.

Call for Stricter Regulations on Vaping Devices

In light of her findings, Dr. Quigg is advocating for urgent regulatory measures concerning vaping devices. She argues that current policies in Aotearoa, New Zealand, are not keeping pace with the evolving landscape of nicotine products. Dr. Quigg proposes stricter regulations, including larger device sizes, designs that emphasize therapeutic use over lifestyle appeal, and less enticing flavors that produce less fragrant odors.

These changes, she argues, would reduce the concealability of vaping devices and help maintain the integrity of indoor environments such as libraries, lecture theatres, and bars, as well as outdoor areas designated as smoke-free, including urupā (cemeteries), marae grounds, and playgrounds.

While Dr. Quigg emphasizes the need for tighter regulations on the design of vaping devices, she also insists that such measures alone will not fully protect young people. “Instead, stronger measures must be implemented to reduce the appeal of vaping,” she concluded.

The study sheds light on the cultural implications of vaping within Māori communities and the urgent need for policy responses that address both the health risks and cultural sensitivities associated with this growing trend.