Examining how local zoning laws can reduce tobacco retailer availability.
Investigating the impact of local land use and zoning policies on equitably reducing tobacco retailer availability
This study looks at how local rules about land use and zoning in Oklahoma affect where tobacco shops can open, especially in neighborhoods that face challenges due to race and income, with the hope of finding ways to improve community health by reducing tobacco use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Wake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Winston-Salem, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11160246 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of local land use and zoning policies on the availability of tobacco retailers, particularly in areas facing racial and socioeconomic inequities. By focusing on cities in Oklahoma, where local governments have limited power to regulate tobacco sales, the study aims to explore how zoning can be used to restrict where tobacco retailers can operate. The approach combines both qualitative and quantitative methods to assess the impact of these policies on community health outcomes related to tobacco use. The goal is to identify effective strategies that can help reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in urban areas of Oklahoma, particularly those from racial and socioeconomic minority groups affected by high tobacco retailer availability.
Not a fit: Patients living in areas without significant tobacco retailer presence or those not impacted by tobacco-related health disparities may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more equitable access to tobacco control measures, ultimately reducing tobacco use and related health issues in vulnerable populations.
How similar studies have performed: While there is limited research specifically on zoning laws and tobacco retailer availability in preempted states, similar approaches in other regions have shown promise in reducing tobacco access and improving public health outcomes.
Where this research is happening
Winston-Salem, United States
- Wake Forest University Health Sciences — Winston-Salem, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kong, Amanda — Wake Forest University Health Sciences
- Study coordinator: Kong, Amanda
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.