Modeling how age-restricted in-person tobacco sales could affect youth tobacco use
Official title: Modeling the impact of age restricted in-person location policies for youth tobacco use
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11385912 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A project at Ohio State University explores whether letting only adults buy tobacco in age-restricted shops could lower how many youths use tobacco.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $628,116 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA273206-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11385912 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are communities and individuals affected by youth tobacco use and retailers in areas with high tobacco retailer density.
✕Less likely to help
Communities with minimal youth tobacco use or no planned ARLP implementation may see limited direct impact.
What this research studies
This project uses modeling to estimate how ARLPs would change tobacco retailer density, youth access, and subsequent smoking behaviors. It will examine where retailers are located, which shops youths visit most, and how teens might adapt if sales are limited to adult-only retailers. The study integrates data on communities with varying retailer patterns to predict potential health impacts across groups. The goal is to inform policymakers about potential benefits and unintended effects of ARLPs on youth and adults alike.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide policies that reduce youth tobacco use and address retailer density disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior modeling work on tobacco control strategies has shown potential for reducing youth access, though ARLPs are a novel approach with variable outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Roberts, Megan Eleanor — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Roberts, Megan Eleanor
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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.