Examining racial differences in smoking behaviors and stress responses in male smokers

Biological Pathways in Stress Reactivity and Nicotine Addiction Among African American and White Smokers

Observational Virginia Commonwealth University · NCT05490251

This study looks at how smoking habits and stress reactions differ between African American and white men who smoke to see how these differences affect quitting smoking and lung cancer risks.

Quick facts

Study typeObservational
Enrollment100 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 75 Years
SexMale
SponsorVirginia Commonwealth University Academic / other
Locations2 sites (Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations)
Trial IDNCT05490251 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This observational study aims to investigate the differences in smoking behaviors and stress responses between African American and white male smokers. It focuses on understanding how these racial differences impact smoking cessation efforts and the associated risks of lung cancer. By analyzing the stress responses related to smoking initiation, maintenance, and relapse, the study seeks to address the disparities in smoking cessation outcomes. Participants will include African American and white males aged 18-75 who smoke at least 5 to 10 cigarettes per day.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are African American and white males aged 18-75 who smoke at least 5 to 10 cigarettes per day.

Not a fit: Patients with serious cognitive disorders, a personal history of lung cancer, or those currently enrolled in smoking cessation programs may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to more effective smoking cessation strategies tailored to address racial disparities in lung cancer risk.

How similar studies have performed: While studies have explored smoking cessation and stress responses, this specific focus on racial differences in male smokers is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* African American and white males
* Between the ages of 18-75 years old
* Smoke at least 5 to 10 cigarettes per day

Exclusion Criteria:

* Smokers who have a serious cognitive disorder
* Have a personal history of lung cancer
* Personal history of usage of illicit drug and alcohol abuse
* Enrollment in a smoking cessation treatment program during the past 6 months
* Current use of a nicotine replacement therapy
* Have any positive responses on the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI) screener

Where this trial is running

Los Angeles, California and 1 other locations

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 SmokingSmoking BehaviorsSmoking CessationStress Reaction
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.