How standardized tobacco packaging affects young adults' behavior in stores

The Impact of Standardized Tobacco Product Packaging on Young Adults in the Retail Environment

NIH-funded research Rand Corporation · NIH-11162415

This study looks at how different designs of tobacco product packaging affect young adults' thoughts and choices when they see these products in stores, aiming to find ways to make tobacco less appealing and help reduce its use among this age group.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRand Corporation NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Santa Monica, United States)
Project IDNIH-11162415 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how the design of tobacco product packaging influences the behavior and perceptions of young adults when they encounter these products in retail environments. It focuses on the effects of standardized packaging, which removes branding elements like color and artwork that may make tobacco products appear more appealing. By examining how these changes impact consumer attitudes and intentions towards tobacco use, the study aims to identify effective strategies for reducing tobacco consumption among young adults. The research will involve experimental methods to assess the reactions of participants to different packaging designs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include young adults aged 18-24 who are current tobacco users or are at risk of starting to use tobacco products.

Not a fit: Patients who are not within the young adult age range or who do not use tobacco products may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tobacco control policies that reduce tobacco use among young adults.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research in other countries has shown that standardized tobacco packaging can reduce the appeal of tobacco products and decrease consumption rates.

Where this research is happening

Santa Monica, 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.