Reducing the number of tobacco retailers in communities to improve health equity

Assessing the impact, equity, and mechanisms of a novel policy intervention to reduce tobacco retailer density in communities

NIH-funded research Columbia University Health Sciences · NIH-11016990

This study looks at how cutting down the number of tobacco shops in low-income and diverse neighborhoods can change smoking habits and health, focusing on recent laws in cities like San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York City, and it involves talking to community members and analyzing data to see how these changes affect people.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionColumbia University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New York, United States)
Project IDNIH-11016990 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how reducing the number of tobacco retailers in low-income and racially diverse communities can impact smoking behaviors and health outcomes. By examining recent policies in cities like San Francisco, Philadelphia, and New York City that limit tobacco retail licenses, the study aims to understand the effects of these interventions on tobacco availability and usage. It will utilize a combination of data analysis, community interviews, and stakeholder assessments to evaluate the effectiveness and potential unintended consequences of these policies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living in low-income neighborhoods or communities with high tobacco retailer density, particularly those who smoke or are at risk of smoking.

Not a fit: Patients who do not reside in areas with high tobacco retailer density or who are not affected by tobacco use may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to healthier communities by reducing smoking rates and improving overall public health.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown that reducing tobacco retailer density can lead to decreased smoking rates, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

New York, 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.