Using brain imaging to predict vaping behavior in young adults
Official title: Neuroimaging Approaches to Improve Prediction of Smoking Initiation and Nicotine Use Escalation Among Young Adult Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Users
Run by University of Georgia · NCT05447325 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing how different anti-vaping messages affect young adults' vaping habits over a year while using brain scans to see if they can predict these behaviors.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 180 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | University of Georgia Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Athens, Georgia) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | July 15, 2022 |
| Main results expected | July 31, 2026 |
| Study ends | July 31, 2026 |
| Registry record updated | April 3, 2026 |
| Trial ID | NCT05447325 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are young adults who have used e-cigarettes or vaping devices at least three times in the past month but have not smoked cigarettes during that time.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who have smoked cigarettes in the past 30 days or have used e-cigarettes less than three times in that period will 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 involves 180 young adult vapers who will undergo a baseline functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment linked to a year-long randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive different sequences of anti-vaping public service announcements (PSAs) focusing on either regular or flavored vape products. The study aims to assess how these messages influence nicotine use and the effectiveness of the PSAs over time. Participants will also provide breath and urine samples to confirm nicotine exposure levels.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could enhance public health messaging strategies to reduce vaping initiation and escalation among young adults.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been studies on anti-vaping messages, this specific approach using fMRI to predict behavior is relatively novel and untested.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * used e-cigarettes or other vaping devices at least 3 days during the past 30 days * did not smoke a cigarette, even one or two puffs, during the past 30 days * Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) compatible and safe Exclusion Criteria: * used e-cigarettes or other vaping devices for less than 3 days during the past 30 days * any use of cigarettes during the past 30 days * history of a major neurological, psychiatric, or medical disorder * MRI contraindications
Where it's running
-
UGA Bio-imaging Research Center
Athens, Georgia, United States Recruiting
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Jiaying Liu, PhD
- Email: jiaying.liu@uga.edu
- Phone: 949-241-0652
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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.