Investigating how tobacco marketing affects smoking behavior and cravings

Cancer prevention through neural and geospatial examination of tobacco marketing effects in smokers

NIH-funded research University of Pennsylvania · NIH-10690456

This study is looking at how tobacco ads in stores affect smokers' cravings and habits, using cool technology to track their experiences in real-time, so we can better understand how these ads influence smoking and help create better ways to prevent cancer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-10690456 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines the impact of tobacco marketing in retail environments on smokers' behavior and cravings. By using innovative methods such as mobile geolocation tracking, ecological momentary assessment, and functional magnetic resonance imaging, the study aims to understand how exposure to tobacco marketing influences smoking habits. Participants will provide real-time data on their cravings and smoking behavior in relation to their environment, helping to uncover the mechanisms behind tobacco marketing's effects. The goal is to generate actionable insights that can inform cancer prevention strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are current smokers who are exposed to tobacco marketing in retail settings.

Not a fit: Patients who have never smoked or are not currently exposed to tobacco marketing may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

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

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that exposure to tobacco marketing can increase cravings, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.