Using brain imaging to predict vaping behavior in young adults

Neuroimaging Approaches to Improve Prediction of Smoking Initiation and Nicotine Use Escalation Among Young Adult Electronic Nicotine Delivery Systems Users

Not applicable Interventional University of Georgia · NCT05447325

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

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment180 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
SponsorUniversity of Georgia Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens, Georgia)
Trial IDNCT05447325 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who should consider this trial

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.

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.

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 performed: While there have been studies on anti-vaping messages, this specific approach using fMRI to predict behavior is relatively novel and untested.

Eligibility criteria

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 this trial is running

Athens, Georgia

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 Message ExposureNo Message Exposurehealth message interventionrandomized controlled trial
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.