Sentinel surveillance of vaping and emerging nicotine product use among university students: protocol for a longitudinal cohort study

The rapid evolution of nicotine delivery systems is reshaping substance use patterns among young adults globally. In Australia, despite strict tobacco control policies, the proliferation of disposable vapes, nicotine pouches, and other nicotine products remains a concern, particularly among young adults. National surveys provide valuable insights but lack the frequency and granularity needed to detect emerging products and behavioural shifts in young people, aged 18–25. Agile, context-specific surveillance systems are urgently required to identify evidence for actionable interventions. This protocol describes a sentinel surveillance programme to monitor vaping and emerging nicotine product use among university students aged 18–25 years in Melbourne, Australia. Semesterly cross-sectional surveys will be conducted at selected campus events and health service clinics, supported by trained Student Wellbeing Champions. Survey instruments will be updated twice yearly to capture emerging trends. A longitudinal cohort will enable twice yearly follow-up to examine behavioural trajectories and psychosocial determinants. Data will include prevalence, emerging products, attitudes, and campaign exposure using validated instruments adapted from national studies. The study introduces a novel application of sentinel surveillance within a university setting, addressing a critical gap in Australia’s monitoring systems. By embedding surveillance within health promotion initiatives, the programme will generate timely, actionable evidence to inform cessation strategies, policy evaluation, and harm-reduction efforts. The approach is scalable and aligns with global priorities for adaptive nicotine control surveillance to support public health action on youth and young adult vaping.