Understanding how e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches affect young people's behavior and dependence
Official title: Project 4: A Naturalistic Observation of Electronic Cigarettes and Oral Nicotine Pouch Product Use Among Adolescents and Young Adults
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10929372 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how young people, especially those from LGBTQ+ communities and with mental health challenges, use e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches, and how the way these products are marketed affects their choices and habits.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 14, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,204,334 |
| NIH project number | 5U54CA287392-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10929372 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for participation are adolescents and young adults aged 13-23 who have recently started using e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not within the age range of 13-23 or who have not recently initiated use of e-cigarettes or nicotine pouches may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of e-cigarettes and oral nicotine pouches among adolescents and young adults, focusing on how these products are marketed and perceived. By observing a national sample of young users, the study aims to understand the impact of nicotine concentration, form, and marketing strategies on their usage behaviors and dependence. Participants will include recent initiators of these products, particularly from priority populations such as LGBTQ+ individuals and those with mental health disorders. The research employs naturalistic observation methods to gather data in real-world settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could inform public health strategies to reduce tobacco use and dependence among young people.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in understanding tobacco product use behaviors among young populations, making this approach both relevant and necessary.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ferketich, Amy K — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Ferketich, Amy K
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Understanding how trinucleotide repeat expansions cause disease
A research project at Ohio State University is exploring how tiny DNA repeats become unstable and drive neurological and muscular diseases, with potential implications for future therapies.
-
Pediatric Prehospital Airway Resuscitation for Critically Ill Children
This grant tests the best way for paramedics to manage breathing tubes and other airways in seriously ill children before they reach the hospital.
-
From Social Breakups to Brain Changes in Alzheimer’s and Related Dementias
This grant explores how losing social connections may trigger brain changes and inflammation linked to Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
-
Understanding why patients with blood cancers start and stick with oral cancer medicines
A study to learn what helps or hinders Black patients with blood cancers in starting and continuing their prescribed oral cancer medicines.
-
How sex and hormones affect alcohol's impact on sleep in adults
This study tests how sex and hormone changes influence how alcohol disrupts sleep in healthy adults, with a focus on women aged 21-45.
-
Natural products to block IL-8 signaling and prevent Barrett's Esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer
A搜索-friendly plan to use safe natural compounds to interrupt a key inflammatory signal (IL-8) and stop Barrett’s esophagus from turning into esophageal cancer in people with GERD.
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.