Young Adult Smoking
Research Study
Project MARS is a virtual research study for young adults ages 21 to 29 who live in rural South Carolina, smoke cigarettes daily, and are interested in quitting or cutting down. All study visits are completed by phone or Zoom.
Fast Facts
Smoke cigarettes daily for at least 6 months & have tried to quit before
Ages
21-29
Compensation
up to $360
Virtual study recruiting participants who currently reside in rural SC
Additional Information
This study is being done to better understand how alternative nicotine products, such as e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, and nicotine lozenges, may help young adults who smoke reduce or quit. Researchers are specifically interested in learning about the experiences, preferences, and quitting behaviors of young adults living in rural South Carolina, where smoking rates and smoking-related health problems remain high.
The information gathered will help researchers identify which products are most acceptable and useful to people who smoke, and may support future smoking cessation and harm reduction efforts. Findings from this study may help inform the development of more effective public health programs, treatment approaches, and tobacco-related health policies in rural communities.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Ages 21-29
- Live in rural South Carolina
- Smoke cigarettes daily for at least 6 months
- Have tried to quit smoking before
- Interested in learning about or trying non-cigarette nicotine products (e-cigarettes, nicotine pouches, nicotine lozenges)
Have access to a phone, internet, Zoom, a computer with a camera, and a private space for 5 virtual study visits. (If you do not have access to these, our research team may be able to accommodate you)
Exclusion Criteria:
- Substance use disorders other than cannabis or tobacco use
Participants who enroll in this study will complete a total of five study visits. Study visits take place virtually by phone or Zoom, so no in-person visits are required.
2 Baseline Visits (Phone/Zoom)
- A ~30-minute phone visit to review consent and complete brief eligibility surveys
- A 60-180 minute Zoom visit with additional screening, online questionnaires, and a one-hour interview about smoking behaviors and experiences
3 Study Visits (Zoom)
- Each visit lasts about 2.5-3 hours and requires avoiding cigarettes and other nicotine products for 16 hours beforehand
- During the sessions, you will try study-provided products mailed to your home (an e-cigarette, a nicotine pouch, and a nicotine replacement lozenge) and complete questionnaires about your experience
Participants may receive up to $360 total for completing all study visits ($10 for the first visit, $50 for the second visit, and additional compensation for the three study visits).
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.