Pilot Study of the YES-CAN! Program to Prevent Youth Nicotine Vaping

Launched by UNIVERSITY OF COLORADO, DENVER · May 29, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

The YES-CAN! pilot study aims to explore a new program designed to prevent nicotine vaping among middle and high school students. By using creative methods like youth-developed videos and peer-led activities, the program encourages students to work together with teachers and researchers to learn important skills. The goal is to help students refuse vaping, manage stress, and change the social attitudes around vaping in their schools. This study will take place in two school communities, where students will create and share videos that promote healthier choices.

To participate in this study, students must be enrolled in middle school (grades 6-8) or high school (grades 9-12), typically aged between 10 to 17 years. Adults involved in the educational system are also welcome. Participants will take part in around 6-8 classroom sessions, where they will collaborate on video projects and receive support through text messages or other media to reinforce what they've learned. It’s important to note that students need to be able to read and write in either English or Spanish to qualify for the study. This pilot study is currently recruiting participants and hopes to gather valuable information about how well the YES-CAN! program can be implemented and accepted in schools.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Children enrolled in middle school grades 6-8 and high school grades 9-12 (age approximately 10-13 and 14-17); adults (over age 18) involved in educational system
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Not able to read and write in English or Spanish