Communicating About Nicotine and Differential Risks of Tobacco Products in Priority Populations

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are studying how a messaging campaign about reduced nicotine cigarettes and related policies, combined with the use of very low nicotine cigarettes (VLNCs), affects smoking habits and attitudes among adult smokers. The study focuses on smokers from three groups: those with recent serious psychological distress, those with low socioeconomic status, and those not in either group. The primary goal is to see if messages alongside VLNC use reduce cigarette smoking more than VLNC use alone. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one group will receive VLNCs with exposure to messages about VLNCs and reduced nicotine policies through inserts in cigarette packs, printed ads, and videos during weekly visits. The other group will receive VLNCs without these messages but will see neutral messages like bottled water ads. The study includes a 1-week baseline period with full nicotine cigarettes, followed by a 4-week period of receiving VLNCs with or without messaging. During the study, participants attend weekly visits to complete surveys, provide breath carbon monoxide samples, and receive their VLNC supply. They also complete brief daily surveys via text messages throughout the baseline and 4-week study periods. Researchers will measure cigarettes smoked per day at week 4 and assess other outcomes such as use of other tobacco products, quit attempts, and attitudes about smoking VLNCs. The total study duration is 5 weeks including baseline and intervention phases.

Communicating About Nicotine Reduction in Cigarettes