Creating a smoking cessation program for sexual and gender minority individuals in high-stigma areas

Developing An Empowerment Theory-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Sexual and/or Gender Minority People with Community Partners

NIH-funded research University of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr · NIH-11059623

This study is testing a new program called ECHO to help LGBTQ+ individuals in areas where they face stigma quit smoking, by focusing on their unique challenges and involving them in community support activities.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Oklahoma Hlth Sciences Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Oklahoma City, United States)
Project IDNIH-11059623 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop and test a smoking cessation intervention called ECHO (Empowering Our Community & Health Outcomes) specifically for sexual and/or gender minority (SGM) individuals living in areas with high stigma. The project involves collaboration with community partners to inform and refine the intervention, focusing on the unique challenges faced by SGM individuals in these environments. By engaging participants in community empowerment activities, the program seeks to address both personal behavior change and the sociopolitical factors contributing to smoking inequities. The pilot testing phase will evaluate the effectiveness of this tailored approach in helping participants quit smoking.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are sexual and/or gender minority individuals aged 21 and older who live in areas with high stigma related to their identity.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as sexual or gender minorities or who live in low-stigma environments may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among sexual and gender minority individuals, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: While smoking cessation interventions exist, this approach is innovative as it specifically addresses the unique sociopolitical challenges faced by SGM individuals, making it a novel initiative.

Where this research is happening

Oklahoma City, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.