Reducing waterpipe tobacco use among young adults by communicating its harms

Communicating Waterpipe Tobacco Harms to Reduce Use among Young Adults

NIH-funded research Wake Forest University Health Sciences · NIH-10818507

This study is looking to help young adults understand the serious health risks of smoking waterpipe tobacco by creating clear and eye-catching warnings that will be tested on packaging and in cafés, with the hope of reducing its use among this group.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionWake Forest University Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Winston-Salem, United States)
Project IDNIH-10818507 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to address the high prevalence of waterpipe tobacco smoking among young adults, who often underestimate its dangers compared to cigarette smoking. The project will develop effective health warnings that communicate the serious acute and chronic harms associated with waterpipe tobacco use. By utilizing a systematic approach, the research will create both text and pictorial warnings to be tested on packaging and in waterpipe cafés. The goal is to enhance understanding of the risks and ultimately reduce waterpipe tobacco use in this demographic.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who currently use or are at risk of using waterpipe tobacco.

Not a fit: Patients who do not use waterpipe tobacco or are not at risk of starting may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a significant reduction in waterpipe tobacco use among young adults, thereby decreasing their risk of serious health issues.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that effective health warnings can significantly influence smoking behaviors, suggesting that this approach may also be successful for waterpipe tobacco.

Where this research is happening

Winston-Salem, 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.
Conditions Cancersneoplasm/cancer
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.