New approaches to help people quit smoking
Official title: Uptake of Varenicline and Strategies for Enhanced Engagement in Treatment for Smoking Cessation
Run by University of Chicago · NCT06751927 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project tests a short, professionally made educational video to help adult smokers (at least 10 cigarettes per day) — especially Black and other racial/ethnic groups — understand varenicline and decide whether to try medication or quit smoking.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 75 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 94 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Chicago Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chicago, Illinois) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | April 24, 2025 |
| Main results expected | December 2028 |
| Study ends | December 2030 |
| Registry record updated | June 11, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06751927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are English-speaking adults aged 18–75 who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day, are not currently using smoking-cessation medication, and are willing to complete study surveys and consent.
✕Probably not a fit
People already using smoking-cessation medications, those who are pregnant or lactating, those with a contraindication to varenicline, or non–English speakers are unlikely to benefit from participating.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
The study has two parts: focus groups to help develop a culturally appropriate educational video, followed by a randomized portion where participants are assigned to view the new video or receive usual education about quitting. Eligible adults (18–75) who smoke at least 10 cigarettes per day and are not currently using cessation medication will complete surveys and measures before and after the intervention. The video explains varenicline’s mechanisms and outcomes compared with other treatment options, aiming to improve health literacy and address misperceptions and mistrust. The work is conducted at the University of Chicago and is intended to produce an easy-to-implement tool for clinicians and researchers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the video could increase understanding and uptake of effective quitting medications like varenicline and help reduce tobacco-related health disparities.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research shows educational materials and counseling can increase use of cessation medications, but professionally produced, culturally tailored videos focused on mistrust and uptake in Black and other racial/ethnic groups are relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Patients must smoke at least 10 cigarettes/day and do not currently use a smoking cessation medication. * Ages 18-75. * Agree to complete surveys and measures within study. * Ability to understand English and the willingness to sign a written informed consent document. Exclusion Criteria: * Patients who are receiving any other smoking cessation medications. * Patients who are pregnant and/or lactating. * Patients with psychiatric contraindications that can prevent adherence to protocol or use of intervention tools in study. For inclusivity on trial, psychiatric contraindications and ability for patient to participate in trial will be assessed on an individual basis by study investigator. * Patients who have a contraindication with varenicline.
Where it's running
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University of Chicago
Chicago, Illinois, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Andrea C. King — University of Chicago
- Study coordinator: Clinical Trials Intake
- Email: cancerclinicaltrials@bsd.uchicago.edu
- Phone: 1-855-702-8222
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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.