Researchers from Federation University Australia in regional Victoria are investigating ways young people can feel empowered to say ‘no’ to vaping.
Public Health Discipline Lead at Federation’s Institute of Health and Wellbeing Professor Dr Muhammad Aziz Rahman and PhD student Dr Naima Nimmi will work on the Central Highlands Vaping Prevention Project with lead project partner, the City of Ballarat, and other organisations.
“Every health professional plays an influential role in helping young people to quit vaping. This project will give our local health practitioners evidence-based resources so they can address vaping concerns with this vulnerable cohort,” says Rahman.
Teaching young people how to reject vaping
The project is being funded by a VicHealth Vaping Prevention Grant and aims to boost awareness of vaping harms among young people aged between 10 -25. It also endeavours to improve their ability to reject vaping, reduce young people’s exposure to vaping and vaping products, and increase community capability to address vaping among young people.
Professor Rahman is a medical doctor, public health professional, and respected academic whose research citations ranked him in the world’s top two per cent of scientists during 2020-2023.
His research interests include smoking and vaping, and he is a Vice President-elect (Development)and Convenor for the Health Promotion Special Interest Group at the Public Health Association of Australia (PHAA). He is also the Board Director for the Council of Academic Public Health Institutions Australasia (CAPHIA).
Upskilling health workers is an essential factor
Professor Rahman and Dr Nimmi will map smoking and vaping cessation support services using the data to develop and promote resources for local health practitioners including general practitioners, paediatricians, practice nurses, and smoking cessation specialists.
The resources will support the upskilling of healthcare workers on best practice for discussing vaping concerns, risks, and prevention with adolescent patients.
Student-led workshops designed to empower
The project is the latest Federation University initiative focused on improving community education around vaping harm and will include coordination of student-led workshops and focus groups to support development of student-led vaping prevention strategies.
In February, Federation hosted The Vape Cloud art installation during Mt Helen Campus O Week celebrations, while the Uncloud virtual reality experience – featured at July’s TAFE Fest – encouraged students to adopt a vape-free life.
“Each anti-vaping initiative is critical in the current vaping pandemic, both for the health of our young people and so that the success of tobacco control in Australia is not undermined,” says Rahman.
