Investigating how e-cigarette use affects smoking behavior

Using Causal Machine Learning Methods to Inform Tobacco Regulatory Science

NIH-funded research New York University · NIH-11082227

This study is looking at how using e-cigarettes might affect whether people start smoking regular cigarettes, and it’s for anyone interested in understanding how different factors like age and gender play a role in this relationship.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11082227 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to clarify the relationship between e-cigarette (EC) use and subsequent combustible cigarette (CC) smoking behaviors. By employing causal machine learning methods, the study will analyze complex data to understand how various factors, such as age and gender, influence the effects of EC use on smoking habits. The goal is to identify specific characteristics that may modify these effects, which could help inform tobacco regulation and address health disparities. The findings could provide critical insights for policymakers regarding the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking behaviors across different populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals aged 21 and older who use e-cigarettes or combustible cigarettes.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use tobacco products or e-cigarettes may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tobacco regulations that reduce smoking rates and improve public health.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown mixed results regarding the impact of e-cigarettes on smoking behaviors, indicating that this area is still being explored and holds potential for new insights.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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 2026-06-15 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.