Studying the Health Perceptions and Social Behaviors of Graduate Students at the Ohio State University for the Development of Effective Oral Nicotine Pouch Addictive Risk Communication

Purpose

This clinical trial studies the health perceptions and social behaviors of Ohio State University (OSU) graduate students to develop an interactive, social norms-based approach that is effective in communicating the addictive risks of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs). The use of ONPs is rising rapidly among young adults (YA). Various factors contribute to the growing popularity of ONPs, including their affordability, accessibility both online and in physical stores, discreet use, and heavy internet advertising. However, for those who are experimenting, have tried ONPs in the past, or have never used them but are surrounded by others who do, factors like affordability and availability may not be the only reasons for initiating or continuing use. Social norms are also a significant factor influencing YA tobacco use. Peer influence on college campuses and in other social environments may encourage YA to conform to behaviors they perceive as popular or acceptable. Being surrounded by peers who use ONPs may create pressure to try them, especially as YA seek to fit in within their social circles. Studying the health perceptions and social behaviors of OSU graduate students may help researchers develop an interactive, social norms-based approach that is effective in communicating the addictive risks of ONPs.

Condition

  • Tobacco-Related Carcinoma

Eligibility

Eligible Ages
Over 21 Years
Eligible Sex
All
Accepts Healthy Volunteers
Yes

Criteria

Inclusion Criteria:

- AIM 1: OSU graduate students aged 21 years or older

- AIM 2 AND 3: Students identified in Aim 1 as susceptible to ONPs, having
experimented with ONPs, or currently using ONPs-those considered at high risk for
nicotine dependence-will be invited to participate in Aim 2 or Aim 3

- AIM 3: Participants in Aim 2 will not be invited to participate in Aim 3, as they
will have already been exposed to the experimental stimuli

Study Design

Phase
N/A
Study Type
Interventional
Allocation
Randomized
Intervention Model
Parallel Assignment
Intervention Model Description
Students identified in Aim 1 as susceptible to ONPs, having experimented with ONPs, or currently using ONPs will be invited to participate in Aim 2 or Aim 3. In Aim 2, participants will view four randomly selected messages from the five message blocks and complete brief evaluations after each message. In Aim 3, participants who consent will be randomly assigned to view either static or dynamic visual ONP risk messages.
Primary Purpose
Prevention
Masking
None (Open Label)

Arm Groups

ArmDescriptionAssigned Intervention
No Intervention
Aim 1 (online survey)
Participants complete an online survey assessing ONP use patterns, perceptions of ONP-related norms, and interactions with ONP content on social media over 5-10 minutes on study.
Experimental
Aim 2
Participants view four intervention messages shown in a randomized order. These messages are randomly selected from five message blocks, which are part of a total pool of 33 messages.
  • Other: Preventive Intervention
    View social norm-based ONP messages
    Other names:
    • PREVENTATIVE
    • Prevention
    • Prevention Measures
    • Prophylactic
    • Prophylaxis
    • PRYLX
  • Other: Survey Administration
    Ancillary studies
Active Comparator
Aim 3 condition I (static visual ONP risk messages)
Participants view static visual ONP risk messages on study.
  • Other: Preventive Intervention
    View static visual ONP risk messages
    Other names:
    • PREVENTATIVE
    • Prevention
    • Prevention Measures
    • Prophylactic
    • Prophylaxis
    • PRYLX
  • Other: Survey Administration
    Ancillary studies
Experimental
Aim 3 condition II (dynamic visual ONP risk messages)
Participants view dynamic visual ONP risk messages on study.
  • Other: Preventive Intervention
    View dynamic visual ONP risk messages
    Other names:
    • PREVENTATIVE
    • Prevention
    • Prevention Measures
    • Prophylactic
    • Prophylaxis
    • PRYLX
  • Other: Survey Administration
    Ancillary studies

Recruiting Locations

Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Columbus, Ohio 43210
Contact:
Megan E. Roberts, PhD
Roberts.1558@osu.edu

More Details

NCT ID
NCT07346092
Status
Recruiting
Sponsor
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center

Study Contact

The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
1-800-293-5066
OSUCCCClinicaltrials@osumc.edu

Detailed Description

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES: I. Evaluate OSU graduate students' ONP use patterns, perceptions of use within their social circles, and ONP information-gathering behaviors on social media. II. Test the effects of normative-focused, YA-directed ONP risk messages to enhance knowledge and correct misperceptions about addiction. III. Estimate the effect of dynamic versus (vs.) static visual ONP risk messages on YA's information-sharing intentions. OUTLINE: All participants will first complete Aim 1. Participants identified as high risk for nicotine dependence and who consent to follow up will then be randomly assigned to Aim 2 or Aim 3. AIM 1: Participants complete an online survey assessing ONP use patterns, perceptions of ONP-related norms, and interactions with ONP content on social media over 5-10 minutes on study. AIM 2: Participants view four intervention messages shown in a randomized order. These messages are randomly selected from five message blocks, which are part of a total pool of 33 messages. After viewing each message, participants complete a brief questionnaire that assesses perceived message effectiveness, ONP-related knowledge, risk perceptions, and self-efficacy. AIM 3: Participants are randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions. CONDITION I: Participants view static visual ONP risk messages on study. CONDITION II: Participants view dynamic visual ONP risk messages on study. Following message exposure, participants will answer questions about their intentions to use ONPs in the future, perceived susceptibility, beliefs, attitudes toward ONPs, and cognitive responses (e.g., perceived message effectiveness).