Research Center: University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC)
Location: Oklahoma City, United States, 73104 (virtual and socially-distanced sessions available)
Lead Researcher: Amy M. Cohn, PhD
IRB Committee: This study has been reviewed and approved by the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center (OUHSC) Institutional Review Board.
The University of Oklahoma is an equal opportunity institution. IRB #10581
Contact information: Email: [email protected], Phone: 405-271-7759
Contact Person: Michael 

Background

The CDC recorded about 34.2 million U.S. adult cigarette smokers as of 2018. The CDC also reported that about 16 million Americans develop a smoking-related condition. Enhanced campaigns on tobacco prevention and regulation may help prevent tobacco use among young people. This would help reduce the overall rates of death, diseases, and disorders caused by tobacco use and dependence.

This study aims to understand why people smoke menthol and non-menthol cigarettes and how it affects their smoking, behavior, and attitudes towards different kinds of cigarettes. Researchers want to know what factors encourage tobacco use and smoking-related habits. 

Interested participants must be between the ages of 18 to 26 years old. Eligible participants will be compensated in this study.

Why Participate? 

• You may gain a better understanding of why you use cigarettes.
• You may contribute valuable information that may help others in the future.
• You will be compensated for participating in this study.
• You will be helping to advance medical research.
• You could be be compensated up to $523 for participating.

Your Rights

• If you decide to participate in the study and later feel that you no longer wish to be part of it, you may 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.
• Qualified health professionals will monitor your health as it relates to the study.

Who Can Participate?

• Men and women aged 18 to 26 years old.
• Must be currently smoking cigarettes. 
• Able to comply with the following necessary study requirements over approximately 6 months:
  • Able to attend virtual (Zoom sessions) or socially-distanced in-person visits at the research site that may take up to 2.5 hours to complete
  • Able to answer daily surveys through an app on your phone or a study-provided phone for 14 days
  • Able to complete other various surveys at different time intervals
  • Able to complete a follow-up survey through any means you prefer (i.e. in-person visit, video call, phone call, etc.)

Please note:

To prioritize the participants’ and the study team’s health, the sequence of study requirements may vary due to COVID-19  rules and guidelines set by authorities at the National, Local, or University level.  This may mean that the in-person study visits may become virtual (e.g. online video calls) visits. The study team can explain further on this.