Remote LGBTQ2S+ Smoking Research Study

Researchers at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences are conducting a study to improve the way LGBTQ2S+ people receive support to quit smoking and to support the missions of local LGBTQ2S+ organizations.

Fast Facts

Ages 18+

Identify as Part of the LGBTQ2S+ Community

Compensation Provided

Conducted Remotely in the US for Those Living in Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas

Study Background

The LGBTQ2S+ community faces a disproportionate burden of cancer risk, and tobacco use is a key modifiable risk factor.

Rates of cigarette use within the LGBTQ2S+ community are especially high in the US South and other places where negative attitudes about LGBTQ2S+ people and insufficient legislative protections increase stress for LGBTQ2S+ people in daily life.

This community-engaged and remotely-delivered research study will conduct an empowerment-based approach to support LGBTQ2S+ people to quit smoking. It combines smartphone-based smoking cessation support, free nicotine replacement therapy, and online participation in volunteer activities that support our local LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Study Background

The LGBTQ2S+ community faces a disproportionate burden of cancer risk, and tobacco use is a key modifiable risk factor.

Rates of cigarette use within the LGBTQ2S+ community are especially high in the US South and other places where negative attitudes about LGBTQ2S+ people and insufficient legislative protections increase stress for LGBTQ2S+ people in daily life.

This community-engaged and remotely-delivered research study will conduct an empowerment-based approach to support LGBTQ2S+ people to quit smoking. It combines smartphone-based smoking cessation support, free nicotine replacement therapy, and online participation in volunteer activities that support our local LGBTQ2S+ communities.

Additional Information

The purpose of this study is to improve smoking cessation outcomes for LGBTQ2S+ people in the US South by testing the effects (good or bad) of participating in volunteer activities that benefit local LGBTQ2S+ communities while also receiving smoking cessation treatment.

You may qualify for this study if you meet the following criteria.

Inclusion Criteria:

  • Ages 18+
  • Identify as part of the LGBTQ2S+ community
  • Interested in quitting smoking cigarettes
  • Reside in OK, AR, or TX
  • Own a smartphone with regular internet access
  • Not currently using other smoking cessation treatments
  • Willing to quit smoking within 30 days of enrollment

Participants will be in the study for 27 weeks, with most participation occurring in the first 12 weeks. You will be asked to do the following activities remotely:

  • Be randomly assigned by a computer to either the ‘control group’ (which does not receive the treatment being tested) or ‘treatment group’ (which receives the treatment being tested).
  • Then, you will complete a study onboarding, set a quit date, download and use the National Cancer Institute’s (NCI) smoking cessation smartphone app for 12 weeks, receive free over-the-counter nicotine replacement therapy for 12 weeks, and complete multiple surveys.
  • If you are assigned to the treatment group, you will also be asked to participate in 4 online volunteer activity sessions (lasting approximately 1.5 hours each), which will include activities like online research about resources for people living with HIV and follow-up phone calls with a script to people who have received services from a gender marker and name correction clinic.

Compensation is provided up to $300 for study completion.

There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.