NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionOhio State University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 14, 2023
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,204,334
NIH project number5U54CA287392-02
Project IDNIH-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.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.