Financial incentives to help couples quit smoking
Official title: Randomized Controlled Trial of Dyadic Financial Incentive Treatments for Dual Smoker Couples: Evaluation of Efficacy, Mechanisms, and Cost Effectiveness (1R01CA276594-01A1)
Run by University of Oklahoma · NCT06296849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests if giving financial rewards can help couples who both smoke to quit together more successfully than those who don’t get rewards.
Quick facts
| Phase | Phase 2 |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 900 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Oklahoma Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Athens, Georgia and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | January 18, 2024 |
| Main results expected | May 2028 |
| Study ends | May 2028 |
| Registry record updated | April 29, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT06296849 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who smoke at least 5 cigarettes per day and are in a romantic relationship with another daily smoker.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not smoke or those who are not in a relationship with another smoker may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study investigates the effectiveness of Financial Incentivized Treatments (FITs) for smoking cessation among dual-smoker couples, who are less likely to quit smoking. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: a control group with no incentives, a group where one partner receives incentives, and a group where both partners receive incentives. The study will track participants over 12 months, providing quitting resources and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) tailored to their smoking habits. The research aims to evaluate not only the efficacy of these interventions but also their cost-effectiveness and mechanisms of change.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve smoking cessation rates among couples who smoke together.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown that financial incentives can effectively increase quit rates, making this approach promising but still relatively novel in the context of dual-smoker couples.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 1\) age of 18+; 2) smoking of 5+ cigarettes/day; 3) relationship status of married to or living with a daily smoker of 5+ cigarettes who is also above the age of 18; and 4) romantic relationship duration of at least six months. Exclusion Criteria: * 1\) less than 8th grade capacity to read and write in English; 2) recent hospitalization (past 6 months) 3) psychosis risk; 4) regular (4+ days weekly) use of e-cigarettes; 5) Contra-indication for NRT (e.g., pregnancy, heart disease); 6) Marijuana use. Inclusion and exclusion criteria apply to both members of each couple; both members of each couple must be eligible for the target to enroll.
Where it's running
-
University of Oklahoma Health Campus
Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States Recruiting -
University of Georgia
Athens, Georgia, United States Completed
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Michelle R vanDellen, PhD — University of Oklahoma
- Study coordinator: Michelle R vanDellen, PhD
- Email: Michelle-vanDellen@ou.edu
- Phone: 762-499-4263
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.