Many studies have amassed substantial medical and scientific evidence of the adverse impacts of vaping. There is, however, an absence of children and young people’s direct voices in articulating their experiences of vaping. This study was designed to build on the existing Irish research base and provide evidence of how the complex issue of vaping is being experienced by children and young people within the context of Counties Sligo and Leitrim.

The research process utilised a mixed methods approach. In total, 917 key stakeholders took part in the research, comprising an online survey, discussion groups with children and young people and a range of interviews with other stakeholders. From the outset, the research commissioners ensured that the direct voices of children and young people were central to the research process. A review of Irish and international literature informed development of research instruments and enabled interpretation to be made alongside conducted studies related to the primary research questions.