Research Center: University Of Southern California
Location: This is a virtual study in California
Lead Researcher: Denise Tran, PhD
IRB/HREC: This study has been reviewed by the USC Institutional Review Board

Are you a teen who vapes nicotine? This study explores ways to support teens who want to cut back or quit through an online program specifically designed for them. It’s open to participants ages 12 to 17 who vape but have never smoked regular cigarettes.

Participants can share what works, what doesn’t, and what support actually feels useful. Their input may improve tools that support others facing the same pressures. Change becomes more possible when teens help lead the way.

Interested in shaping something better? Take the first step today.

Please note:

• Sometimes, researchers might ask for a document to confirm who you are. You don’t have to provide it to join the study, but it can help make sure the study’s information is correct.
• Compensation is only provided after successful enrollment or participation, not for completing the initial questionnaire or contacting the study team.
• Submissions that are found to be false or misleading may be disqualified and could affect eligibility for future studies.

• Participants will receive access to a new online vaping reduction program at no cost.
• Participants will be compensated with up to $80 in gift cards for completing all study activities. Compensation will only be provided to eligible participants who finish each study activity.
• Participants may find it easier to cut back or quit vaping with the support of the program.
• Participants will be sharing feedback that could improve future tools for teens facing similar challenges.
• Participants will be helping researchers better understand how to support teen health and reduce vaping.

• You will receive a detailed outline of all details of the study, including treatment, risks, and procedures, and you will be given the chance to ask study staff questions before you decide whether to participate.
• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you can withdraw at any time
• Your records relating to this study and any other information received will be kept strictly confidential, except as required by law.

Eligible:

• Participants must be between 12 and 17 years old
• Participants must live in California
• Participants must be able to read and understand English
• Participants must vape at least once a week
• Participants must have never smoked regular cigarettes
• Participants must have access to a cell phone, tablet, or computer with internet access
• Participants must be willing and able to keep their camera on during study activities

Ineligible:

• Anyone who is currently using nicotine quit programs, such as:
  • Counseling
  • Quitlines
  • Self-help apps or online programs
  • Nicotine patches, gum, or other replacement products
  • Medications like Chantix or Wellbutrin
• Anyone who does not have a device to access the online program or Zoom

The study team will explain the research in its entirety, but some details include:

• Participants will be asked to complete study activities privately, including a 20-minute survey, a 30-minute review of the online program, and a Zoom interview of up to 45 minutes on Day 1, followed by another 20-minute survey two weeks later.
• Participants will be asked to take part only if they are not currently using any nicotine cessation services, such as counseling, quitlines, self-help tools, online apps, nicotine replacement therapies, or medications.
• Participants will be asked to take a screening call to confirm their survey responses, provide verbal assent, and enroll independently without parental consent as permitted under California law.
• By answering the questions to see if you can be a part of this study and reviewing the materials, you (the child/youth) agree to participate in the study.

University of Southern California
At USC, the SHINE Lab’s mission is to advance the science of digital health by developing, testing, and optimizing innovative digital interventions aimed at preventing and reducing nicotine use among young people. In this study, participants will review a brief online program designed to help teens quit or cut back on their vaping and give feedback on what they liked about it and what they think could be changed to make it even better.