Clinical trial Recruiting at 1 site Interventional Ages 18 to 29

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 typeInterventional
Ages18 Years to 29 Years
SexAll
Enrollment180 (estimated)
SponsorUniversity of Georgia
Academic / other
Locations1 site (Athens, Georgia)
StatusRecruiting
StartedJuly 15, 2022
Main results expectedJuly 31, 2026
Study endsJuly 31, 2026
Registry record updatedApril 3, 2026
Trial IDNCT05447325 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

Similar studies

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How to take part

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.