Investigating misleading marketing tactics in tobacco products targeting youth and young adults

A new generation of misleading tobacco marketing: Assessing the evolution of misleading combustible tobacco marketing features and detrimental implications for vulnerable youth and young adults

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-11005742

This study looks at how the tobacco industry uses tricky words and images to market cigarettes and cigarillos, focusing on how these tactics affect young people, and aims to help improve public health efforts by understanding these marketing strategies better.

Quick facts

Grant typeCareer grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-11005742 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research examines how the tobacco industry uses new misleading descriptors and imagery in marketing combustible tobacco products, such as cigarettes and cigarillos. It aims to understand the impact of these marketing strategies on vulnerable youth and young adults by conducting focus groups to assess their attention, product appeal, and risk perceptions. The study will also review existing literature and marketing content to characterize these misleading tactics and their implications for public health. By tracking these changes, the research seeks to inform regulatory efforts and public health communications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include youth and young adults who are exposed to tobacco marketing and are at risk of tobacco use.

Not a fit: Patients who are not youth or young adults, or those who do not engage with tobacco marketing, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better regulatory measures that protect youth and young adults from misleading tobacco marketing.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that misleading marketing tactics can significantly influence consumer behavior, indicating that this approach has potential for impactful findings.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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 2026-06-10 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.