Improving smoking cessation support for African Americans using text messaging

Mixed methods research to increase engagement and smoking abstinence among African Americans enrolled in Quitline text messaging services

NIH-funded research Pennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr · NIH-10991799

This study is looking for ways to help African Americans quit smoking by using supportive text messages that fit their needs, making it easier for them to stay engaged and succeed in their journey to stop smoking.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPennsylvania State Univ Hershey Med Ctr NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Hershey, United States)
Project IDNIH-10991799 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how to enhance engagement and smoking cessation rates among African Americans who use Quitline text messaging services. By employing mixed methods, the study aims to understand the unique challenges faced by this population and develop tailored interventions that leverage automated text messaging for support. The approach includes assessing behavioral patterns and social determinants that influence smoking habits, with a focus on increasing the effectiveness of cessation programs. Participants will receive ongoing support through text messages designed to encourage abstinence and monitor progress.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are African American adults aged 21 and older who are seeking to quit smoking and are enrolled in Quitline text messaging services.

Not a fit: Patients who do not identify as African American or those under 21 years old may not receive benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved smoking cessation rates and better health outcomes for African Americans.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that text messaging can be an effective tool for smoking cessation support, particularly among diverse populations, although this specific approach targeting African Americans is relatively novel.

Where this research is happening

Hershey, 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.
Conditions addictive disorder
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.