Examining how sex affects perceptions of e-cigarette flavors

Sex Differences in E-Cigarette Flavor Sensory Perception As It Relates to Appeal and Reinforcing Efficacy Among Adult Smokers: Study 1

Not applicable Interventional Yale University · NCT05432830

This study tests how men and women feel about different sweet and cooling e-cigarette flavors to see if their preferences and experiences differ.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment60 (estimated)
Ages21 Years to 44 Years
SexAll
SponsorYale University Academic / other
Locations1 site (New Haven, Connecticut)
Trial IDNCT05432830 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study investigates how sex influences the sensory effects, appeal, and reinforcing value of nicotine-containing e-cigarettes with popular flavor components, specifically sweet and cooling flavors. Regular combustible tobacco users will participate in a controlled lab setting where they will sample three different flavored e-cigarettes. The goal is to understand the differences in perception and preference between male and female participants regarding these e-cigarette flavors. This research aims to provide insights that could inform targeted smoking cessation strategies.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are current cigarette smokers aged 21-44 who have recently used e-cigarettes and are willing to abstain from nicotine prior to the lab session.

Not a fit: Patients who are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or have untreated chronic medical conditions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective smoking cessation interventions tailored to individual preferences based on sex differences.

How similar studies have performed: While studies on e-cigarette perceptions exist, this specific focus on sex differences in flavor perception is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* 21-44 years old
* Able to read/write
* Current cigarette smoking
* Recent E-cig Exposure (\>/= 10 uses in past 6 mo.)
* Urine cot \>200ng/ml
* Willing to abstain from nicotine/tobacco 6-8hrs prior to lab session
* Not looking to quit

Exclusion Criteria:

* Untreated chronic medical conditions
* Non-stable Rx medication
* Illicit drug use
* Pregnant, trying to become pregnant, breastfeeding
* Not fully vaccinated for Coronavirus (e.g. COVID-19)

Where this trial is running

New Haven, Connecticut

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Nicotine AddictionE-Cig UseCigarette SmokingSex Differences
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.