Understanding how social media affects young adults' use of electronic nicotine delivery systems.
Official title: Examining the mediating and moderating factors in the relationships between social media engagement and ENDS use and dependence among young adults
Funded at Texas Christian University · NIH-11043598 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study looks at how using social media affects young adults' use of e-cigarettes and aims to understand the thoughts and social influences that play a role in this relationship, so we can better shape policies and campaigns to help reduce e-cigarette use among this group.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Christian University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Fort Worth, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2024 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $407,581 |
| NIH project number | 1R15CA290615-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11043598 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are young adults who actively use social media and may be influenced by advertising related to electronic nicotine delivery systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not use social media or are not engaged with electronic nicotine delivery systems may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how social media engagement influences the use and dependence on electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS) among young adults. It aims to identify cognitive factors that mediate the relationship between social media exposure and ENDS use, as well as the interpersonal factors that may moderate this relationship. By conducting longitudinal studies, the research seeks to provide insights that can inform policy-making and the design of anti-ENDS campaigns. Young adults, who are heavy social media users and more susceptible to advertising, will be the primary focus of this investigation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective public health strategies to reduce ENDS use among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that social media can significantly influence health behaviors, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Christian University
Fort Worth, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Yang, Qinghua — Texas Christian University
- Study coordinator: Yang, Qinghua
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.