Investigating tobacco use in rural Appalachian communities

AppalTRuST Project 1: Population based Cohort study of tobacco use prevalence in Appalachian KY

NIH-funded research University of Kentucky · NIH-10934519

This study is looking at how and why adults in Appalachian Kentucky use tobacco, and it aims to understand how new rules from the FDA might change those habits, so we can better support people in rural areas who smoke.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Kentucky NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Lexington, United States)
Project IDNIH-10934519 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding tobacco use behaviors among adults in Appalachian Kentucky, where tobacco use rates are significantly higher than the national average. By enrolling 2,000 participants from various rural areas, the study will collect data every six months over four years to assess how FDA regulatory changes impact tobacco use. The research aims to identify factors influencing tobacco use, guided by the Health Belief Model, which considers knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions. The findings will help inform future tobacco regulations to address disparities in tobacco use in rural populations.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older living in Appalachian Kentucky.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in the Appalachian Kentucky region or are under 18 years old may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective tobacco regulations that reduce tobacco use and related health disparities in rural communities.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that targeted tobacco regulation can significantly impact smoking behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Lexington, 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.