Investigating tobacco use in rural Appalachian communities
Official title: AppalTRuST Project 1: Population based Cohort study of tobacco use prevalence in Appalachian KY
Funded at University of Kentucky · NIH-10934519 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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 type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Kentucky NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Lexington, United States) |
| Project start | September 30, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $297,623 |
| NIH project number | 5U54DA058256-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10934519 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 18 and older living in Appalachian Kentucky.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not reside in the Appalachian Kentucky region or are under 18 years old may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Kentucky
Lexington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rayens, Mary Kay — University of Kentucky
- Study coordinator: Rayens, Mary Kay
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.