Switching to E-cigarettes in African-American Smokers

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF KANSAS MEDICAL CENTER · Jan 19, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how switching from traditional cigarettes to e-cigarettes can help African American smokers reduce their smoking habits. The researchers want to see how effective a specific type of e-cigarette, called a nicotine salt pod, is for different groups of smokers: those who only use e-cigarettes, those who use both e-cigarettes and traditional cigarettes, and those who only smoke traditional cigarettes. They are also looking at factors that influence whether people fully switch to e-cigarettes, partially switch, or do not switch at all. Additionally, the study will explore if using a medication called varenicline, which helps people stop smoking, can make the transition easier for those who use both products.

To participate, you need to be African American, at least 21 years old, and currently smoking more than five cigarettes a day for at least six months. You’ll also need to be interested in switching to e-cigarettes and willing to take varenicline and attend all study appointments. If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding, or if you have certain health conditions, you may not be eligible. Participants can expect to receive support throughout the study and will be contributing to important research that could help others in the future.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • African American
• • ≥ 21 years of age
• • Smoke \>5 cigarettes per day
• • Smoked cigarettes for \> 6 months
• • Verified smoker (CO \> 5 ppm)
• • Functioning telephone
• • Interested in switching to EC
• • Willing to take varenicline and complete all study visits
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Interested in quitting smoking
• • Use of smoking cessation pharmacotherapy in the month prior to enrollment
• • Use of other tobacco products in past 30 days (i.e., cigarillos, cigars, hookah, smokeless tobacco, pipes)
• • EC use on \> 4 of the past 30 days
• • Uncontrolled hypertension: BP \> 180 (systolic) or \> 105 (diastolic)
• • Heart-related event in the past 30 days
• • Medical contraindications to VAR: unstable cardiac condition (e.g., unstable angina or AMI) cardiac event, or stroke in the past 4 weeks; renal impairment; history of clinically significant allergic reactions; history of epilepsy or seizure disorder; hospitalized for psychiatric issue in past 30 days; active suicidal ideation
• • Pregnant, contemplating getting pregnant, or breastfeeding
• • Plans to move from Kansas City metro area during the treatment and follow-up phase
• • Another household member enrolled in the study