Understanding How Cigarette Direct Mail Marketing Influences Smoking Behaviors Among High and Low Socioeconomic Status Young Adult Smokers

Launched by NATIONAL INSTITUTE ON MINORITY HEALTH AND HEALTH DISPARITIES (NIMHD) · Nov 23, 2016

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is exploring how direct mail marketing for cigarettes affects smoking behaviors among young adult smokers, particularly focusing on those from different economic backgrounds. Researchers want to understand how this type of advertising influences beliefs and responses to smoking. By comparing young smokers from lower socioeconomic status (SES) with those from higher SES, the study aims to uncover differences in how they are affected by these marketing tactics.

To participate in the trial, you must be a current smoker aged 18 to 29 who has smoked every day and has a history of smoking at least 100 cigarettes. The study is looking for both young adults with lower SES—those without a four-year college degree and earning less than $50,000 annually—and those with higher SES, such as college students or graduates. Participants will visit the study site once, where they'll answer questions about their health and smoking habits, undergo some health checks, and participate in a simple eye exam. You'll also be asked to look at pictures while connected to equipment that will collect data on your reactions. Your participation could help researchers better understand the impact of cigarette marketing on young adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• * INCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Age: 18 to 29 years, given our focus on young adults.
• • Smoking status: Current smokers who report smoking every day and who have smoked at least 100 cigarettes in their lifetime with a breath carbon monoxide level greater than 6ppm per device guidelines
• • SES: For the purpose of the study, we will use the empirical groups from our analysis of the Current Population Survey -Tobacco Use Supplement data. Two groups are chosen based on their social determinants and prevalence of smoking.
• • 1. Low SES: Young adults who do not have a four-year college degree, are not currently enrolled in a four-year college, were born in the US, and have an annual income less than $50,000. This is the group that has been shown to have the highest prevalence of smoking.
• • 2. High SES: Young adults who are currently enrolled in or graduated from a four year college. This is the group that has been shown to have the lowest prevalence of smoking.
• • English proficiency: since study materials are available only in English, only participants who are able to understand English and follow instructions in English are to be enrolled.
• • Cognitive ability: Able to understand and willing to sign a written informed consent document.
• • General health: Participants need to be generally healthy, as defined as someone with no known significant health problems. Participants can have chronic health conditions if the condition is well managed.
• EXCLUSION CRITERIA:
• • Inability, in the judgment of the investigator, to understand and follow the requirements of the protocol.
• • Currently enrolled in high school.
• • Participants with eye conditions that restrict their ability to track an object with their eyes.
• • Participants with myopia, hyperopia, and/or astigmatism who cannot pass a simple vision test even with corrective lenses.
• • Participants with medical condition(s) that may be triggered by infrared radiation (e.g., epilepsy).
• • Self-reported use of alcohol, recreational drugs or prescription medications used for recreational purposes (e.g., amphetamines, cannabis, cocaine, MDMA, ketamines, LSD, opiates and opioids, tranquilizers or opioid analgesics) that may influence their judgement at the time of study in the past 12 hours before the study visit.
• • Participants who cannot see an object located between 15 to 27 inches away from them (the required distance between the computer screen and the participants for accurate eye-tracking), even with corrective contact lenses.