Examining how rural living and tobacco use affect COPD outcomes

Rurality, tobacco use, and COPD: an analysis of two national datasets

NIH-funded research Dartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic · NIH-10491256

This study looks at how living in rural versus urban areas affects the health of people with COPD, especially focusing on their beliefs about tobacco and e-cigarettes, to find ways to help improve their health.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionDartmouth-Hitchcock Clinic NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lebanon, United States)
Project IDNIH-10491256 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the health outcomes of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) living in rural areas compared to those in urban settings. It aims to understand the motivations and beliefs that influence tobacco use, particularly focusing on newer products like e-cigarettes. By analyzing national datasets, the study seeks to quantify how perceptions of tobacco risk and benefit vary geographically and how these perceptions impact COPD outcomes. The ultimate goal is to identify factors that could be targeted for interventions to improve health in rural populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with COPD who reside in rural areas of the United States.

Not a fit: Patients living in urban areas or those without a diagnosis of COPD may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to tailored interventions that improve COPD outcomes for patients living in rural areas.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that geographic factors significantly influence health outcomes, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Lebanon, 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.