Current CSTP Studies
The Center for the Study of Tobacco Products includes a variety of ongoing studies (see below). Due to COVID-19, only the first study below is enrolling participants at this time. If you are interested in a different study, please check back later to see if our laboratory has been able to open.
Impacts of Coronavirus/COVID-19 on Cigarette Smoking Behaviors
Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to learn more about cigarette smoking and how Coronavirus/COVID-19 has impacted smoking and related behaviors.
Study Details: In this study, you will be asked to complete an online screening questionnaire to assess eligibility. If eligible, you will be invited to complete 3 tasks online (Parts 1-3 described below). You will also be asked to fill out questions about yourself and your use of cigarettes and other tobacco products. You will need to have a computer in order to access the study information.
Part 1 involves you providing statements that complete a focus prompt related to your cigarette smoking experiences. Part 2 involves a sorting task related to the statements from Part 1. You will be asked to categorize the statements from Part 1 into piles of statements that are related to the same content, meaning, or theme. Part 3 involves a rating task related to the statements from Part 1. You will be asked to rate the statements based on how true they are for you.
Part 1 will be conducted first. Parts 2 and 3 will be conducted together approximately one month after Part 1 has been completed. We will contact you approximately one month after completing Part 1 to complete Parts 2 and 3 of the study. If Part 1 has been completed when you enroll in the study, you may be asked to only complete Part 2 and Part 3. Part 1 will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. Part 2 will take approximately 30-45 minutes to complete. Part 3 will take approximately 20-30 minutes to complete.
Confidentiality: We will not tell anyone the answers you give us; however, information from the study may be included in a research presentation or papers, but the responses will never be linked to you.
Payment: You will be paid for each part of the study that you are assigned and that you complete. You will receive $10 for completing Part 1, $25 for completing Part 2, and $10 for completing Part 3. Payments will be in the form of Amazon electronic gift cards.
If you are interested in participating please email CSTP COVID-19 Smoking Study Staff at: cstponline@vcu.edu
Effects of Electronic Cigarette Settings and Liquid Concentrations
in Cigarette Smokers and Electronic Cigarette Users
Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to find out how different types of electronic cigarettes settings, combined with e-liquids of differing nicotine concentrations, affect blood nicotine levels, use behavior (how you puff), and how you feel.
Study Details: If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will ask you to participate in 6 sessions, which last approximately 4 hours. Before each visit, we will ask you to abstain from all tobacco products for at least 12 hours. At the beginning of each session a nurse will insert an IV catheter into your arm that will stay there for the entire session. This catheter will be used to draw blood periodically (less than 1 tablespoon per sample, 4 samples). During each session, we will also monitor your heart rate and blood pressure and ask you to respond to several questionnaires to measure how you feel. In each session, you will receive an e-cigarette filled with e-liquid. During the session we will ask you to use the electronic cigarette we provide at two separate times.
Confidentiality: We will not tell anyone the answers you give us; however, information from the study and the consent form signed by you may be looked at or copied for research or legal purposes by the sponsor of the research, or by Virginia Commonwealth University.
Payment: You will be paid $10 for completing the initial screening visit. You will be paid for the time that you are not using tobacco prior to session and for your time in the laboratory: you will receive $50 after the first session, $75 after the second, $100 after the third and fourth, $150 after the fifth sessions, and $175 after the sixth session. In all, you can earn $650 for completing this study. All payments will be in cash.
Effects of E-Cigarette Power and Nicotine Content in Dual Users and Vapers
Purpose: This study aims to understand the effects of device power and nicotine concentration on the likelihood that someone would use or abuse e-cigarettes.
Study Details: If you meet eligibility criteria, we will ask you to participate in five, approximately 4-hour sessions. Before each session, we will ask you to abstain from all tobacco and nicotine containing products for at least 12 hours. We will also ask you to abstain from caffeinated beverages for 1 hour before each session.
In each session you will have an opportunity to complete two behavioral tasks focused on either an e-cigarette or your own brand e-cigarette/cigarette. One task will ask you to work to earn puffs of the session product. The other task will ask you to choose between puffs of the session product and various amount of compensation.
Confidentiality: We will not tell anyone the answers you give us; however, information from the study and the consent form signed by you may be looked at or copied for research or legal purposes by the sponsor of the research, or by Virginia Commonwealth University.
Payment: If you are eligible and choose to participate, you will be asked to complete a behavioral task where you can earn up to $50 at the in-person screening. You will receive $75 after the first session, $100 after the second, third and fourth sessions, and $125 after the fifth session. In all, you can earn $500 for completing this study.
The Effects of Electronic Cigarette Liquid Characteristics in Smokers
Purpose: The purpose of this research study is to find out how different electronic cigarette liquid characteristics, such as nicotine and sweeteners, affect the vaping experience (how you feel), blood nicotine levels, use behavior (how you puff), willingness to work for puffs (keyboard button presses), and hypothetically pay for the product.
Study Details: If you meet the eligibility criteria, we will ask you to participate in 5 sessions, which last approximately 3.5 hours. Before each visit, we will ask you to abstain from all tobacco products for at least 12 hours. During the session we will ask you to use either an electronic cigarette or a cigarette of your preferred brand that we provide. You will be given another opportunity to earn additional puffs of the session’s product through a computerized task. During each session, we will also monitor your heart rate and blood pressure and ask you to respond to several questionnaires to measure how you feel and how much you would be willing to pay.
Confidentiality: We will not tell anyone the answers you give us; however, information from the study and the consent form signed by you may be looked at or copied for research or legal purposes by the sponsor of the research, or by Virginia Commonwealth University.
Payment: You will be paid $10 for completing the initial screening visit. You will be paid for the time that you are not using tobacco prior to session and for your time in the laboratory: you will receive $75 after the first session, $100 after the second, third and fourth session, and $125 after the fifth session. In all, you can earn $510 for completing this study. All payments will be in cash.