Understanding E-Cigarette and Vape Use Through the Theory of Planned Behavior: A Science Mapping and TCCM Framework Analysis of Current and Emerging Trends

BACKGROUND: Theory of planned behavior (TPB) is the most effective theory to understand individual behavior based on the psychological perspective. OBJECTIVES: This study aims to conduct an in-depth analysis of the aggregated studies in the literature on the use of e-cigarettes and vaping based on the tTPB. RESULTS: Applying a systematic review and the theory-context-characteristics-method (TCCM) framework, this study presents an overview of the literature and explores future research avenues. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA), 17 studies were retrieved from Scopus and the Web of Science (WoS) database. CONCLUSIONS: Four themes were identified: (1) Fundamental role of TPB in predicting e-cigarette intention and actual behavior, (2) Determinants and theoretical approaches to vaping behavior, (3) Vaping among youth, and (4) Communication of e-cigarette use. The findings highlight the central role of TPB in explaining the psychological drivers behind e-cigarette use. Future work would benefit from the identified themes by integrating comprehensive intervention, expanding the theoretical framework, and targeting specific populations to enhance e-cigarette prevention and cessation strategies.