Actively Recruiting
Development of a Mobile Health Intervention for Electronic Cigarette Use Among Young Adults
Led by University of Chicago · Updated on 2026-04-27
46
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
4 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
Researchers are evaluating a new mobile health (mHealth) intervention designed to help young adults who use electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), such as e-cigarettes, and those who use both ENDS and combustible cigarettes. This pilot study focuses on young adults aged 18 to 26 years who are interested in quitting or reducing their ENDS use. The study addresses the lack of effective cessation interventions for this population by testing a digital approach that combines motivational support and skills training. The study has two groups. One group receives a 6-week mHealth message-based intervention delivered to their smartphones via the Insight platform, which includes personalized motivational messages and health information about ENDS use, as well as options to request free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The other group receives standard care, which consists of a 5-10 minute educational session on ENDS and tobacco use along with the option to request NRT samples. The intervention tailors content based on motivation levels and whether participants use both ENDS and cigarettes. Participants will be involved for a total of 12 weeks, including 6 weeks of treatment and a 6-week follow-up period. Researchers will assess ENDS cessation and use at the end of treatment and at follow-up. Data collection includes monitoring use patterns, interest in quitting, and responses to the intervention messages. Safety is monitored through exclusion of participants with certain psychiatric disorders and those pregnant or nursing, ensuring participant wellbeing throughout the study.
CONDITIONS
Brief Title
Development of a Mobile Health Intervention for Electronic Cigarette Use Among Young Adults
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Age 18 to 26 years old and able to understand English
- Willing and able to provide informed consent
- Current user of electronic nicotine delivery systems (at least 4 days per week for the past month)
- Interested in quitting or reducing ENDS use (at least 6 out of 10 on interest scale)
- No major psychiatric disorders in the past year, including severe alcohol or substance use disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder
- For women, not currently pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
- Not currently using smoking cessation medications like Varenicline or Bupropion
- No history of adverse reactions to nicotine replacement therapy
You will not qualify if you...
- Does not own a mobile phone or unwilling to receive text messages
- Not interested in quitting or reducing ENDS use
- Uses electronic cigarettes less than 4 days per week in the past month
- Past-year serious psychiatric illness including severe alcohol or substance use disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, or obsessive compulsive disorder
- Currently using smoking cessation medications such as Varenicline or Bupropion
- Female who is pregnant, nursing, or planning pregnancy within 6 months
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
Complete this quick 3-step screening to check your eligibility
Your Study Journey
Duration - 2 to 4 weeks
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial.
1 visit (in-person)
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants receive either a 6-week mobile health message-based intervention delivered through their smartphone or a 5-10 minute educational walk-through with study staff. Participants may also request nicotine replacement therapy during this period.
Weekly visits for up to 6 weeks
Duration - 6 weeks
Participants are followed up to assess electronic nicotine delivery system (ENDS) cessation and use after the treatment period.
1 follow-up visit (in-person)
Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
University of Chicago BREATHE Laboratory
Chicago, Illinois, United States, 60637
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
E
Emma Brett, PhD
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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