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Nicotine and Tobacco Message Framing Among LGBT Young Adults

The Effect of Nicotine and Tobacco Message Framing on Use Among Diverse Groups of Young Adults

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT05972941
Enrollment
252
Registered
2023-08-02
Start date
2023-06-19
Completion date
2024-02-06
Last updated
2025-06-18

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Tobacco-Related Carcinoma

Keywords

health communication, LGBT

Brief summary

This trial refines and evaluates how cultural targeting influences the effectiveness of anti-tobacco messages among lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) young adults at risk for the use of more than one tobacco product (polytobacco use). Polytobacco use is associated with nicotine dependence and tobacco use into adulthood, and is disproportionately high among LGBT young adults. This trial seeks to determine how cultural targeting can be applied to communicate polytobacco use risk to at-risk LGBT young adults.

Detailed description

The goal of this study is to identify if culturally targeted (CT) or non-targeted (NT) anti-polytobacco messages are most effective for engaging LGBT consumers. Using the most effective NT messages from Aim 1, investigators will create a set of CT messages. Message framing will remain consistent between CT and NT messages; however, CT messages will include language and graphics representing LGBT values formative research and the existing peer-reviewed literature. Participants will be randomized to view CT or NT messages in a virtual lab where investigators will assess eye-tracking, self-reported perceived effectiveness, risk perceptions, and behavioral intentions. Participants will also complete a 1-week follow-up. The study aims to determine the effects of cultural targeting on attention to anti-polytobacco messages and perceived effectiveness among LGBT young adults susceptible to polytobacco use.

Interventions

Participants will view eight culturally targeted or non-targeted health communications about the health risks of nicotine and tobacco use.

Sponsors

National Institutes of Health (NIH)
CollaboratorNIH
National Cancer Institute (NCI)
CollaboratorNIH
Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
PREVENTION
Masking
SINGLE (Subject)

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to 35 Years
Healthy volunteers
Yes

Inclusion criteria

* Speaks English fluently * Self-identifies as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, or another non- heterosexual orientation or non-binary gender identity * Ever used e-cigarettes AND combustible cigarettes * Currently uses e-cigarettes, combustible cigarettes, or both e-cigarettes and combustible cigarettes * Resides in the United States * Access to a laptop or desktop computer with a camera for virtual eye-tracking

Exclusion criteria

* Glaucoma * Cataracts

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Behavioral Intentions to Quit VapingDifference between conditions in behavioral intentions to quit vaping at 1-week follow-up after intervention exposureNumber of participants who answer Yes to the following: Do you plan to quit vaping nicotine in the next 30 days? (Yes/No)
Visual Attention - Dwell TimeDuring intervention on Day 1, on average 3 minutesVisual attention measured by dwell time (milliseconds) on areas of interest (AOI; e.g., text, graphic) within a stimuli was assessed via eye-tracking for each message (n=8). Dwell times on AOIs were summed for all stimuli viewed by each participant and averaged. Scores represent total average dwell time on AOIs across stimuli.
Visual Attention - Time to First FixationDuring intervention on Day 1, on average 3 minutes.Time (milliseconds) to first fixation on areas of interest (text, graphic) within a stimuli was assessed via eye-tracking for each message (n=8). Time to first fixation on a specific AOI was summed for all stimuli viewed by each participant and averaged. Scores represent total average time to first fixation on AOIs across stimuli.
Perceived Message Effectiveness - Message PerceptionsImmediately post-exposure to intervention6-items on a 5-point scale where 1 = Not at all and 5 = Very much. Please rate each statement from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much). These message are worth remembering. These messages grabbed my attention. These messages are powerful. These messages are convincing. These messages are meaningful. These messages are informative. Individual items are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.
Perceived Message Effectiveness - Effects PerceptionsImmediately post-exposure to intervention6-items. 5-point scale where 1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree These messages discourage me from smoking cigarettes. These messages make me concerned about the negative effects of smoking cigarettes These messages make smoking cigarettes seem unpleasant to me. 3-items above are summed and averaged. Higher scores indicate better outcome. These messages discourage me from vaping nicotine. These messages make me concerned about the negative effects of vaping nicotine. These messages make vaping nicotine seem unpleasant to me. 3-items above are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.
Change in Behavioral IntentionsChange from Baseline in behavioral intentions immediately post-exposure to intervention8 items total. 4-point scale 1 = Definitely not to 4 = Definitely will. The following items were asked at baseline and post-exposure. How likely is it that in the next 3 months, you will refrain from vaping nicotine.... * completely and permanently? * when you get lonely? * when you are with your friends who use them? * when someone hands you a vape? How likely is it that in the next 3 months, you will refrain from smoking cigarettes... * completely and permanently? * when you get lonely? * when you are with your friends who use them? * when someone hands you a cigarette? For each subscale, pre-test and post-test items were summed and averaged. Change scores were calculated for each subscale by subtracting pre-test scores from post-test scores. Change scores could range from 0 to 3. Higher change scores indicate a better outcome (i.e. greater change in intentions to refrain from smoking or vaping)
Behavioral Intentions: Quitting SmokingDifference between conditions in behavioral intentions to quit smoking at 1-week follow-up after intervention exposureNumber of participants who answer Yes to the following: Do you plan to quit smoking cigarettes in the next 30 days? (Yes/No)

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Ad RelevanceImmediately post-exposure to intervention5 items; 7-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly agree These ads were created just for me. These ads were created for people like me. These ads were relevant to me. These ads were of value to me. These ads were important to me. Items were summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 7. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.
LikingImmediately post-exposure to interventionSingle item; 5-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree I like these messages.
AttitudesImmediately post-exposure to interventionTwo items; 7-point Likert scale where 1 = These message made me feel much worse and 7 = These message made me feel much better. Did these messages change how you feel about smoking combustible cigarettes? Did these messages change how you feel about vaping nicotine? Higher scores mean a worse outcome.
Response EfficacyImmediately post-exposure to intervention6-items; 5 point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree These messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to switch to vaping. These messages will motivate people to quit ALL smoking and vaping. These messages will motivate NON-USERS to start vaping. These messages will motivate NON-USERS to start smoking cigarettes. These messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to quit. These messages will motivate VAPERS to quit. Higher scores mean a better outcome.
Qualitative Recall of Health Messages1-week follow-up after intervention exposureParticipants will be asked the following question: The images that you viewed included health messages. What do you remember about the health messages? Outcome indicates then number of participants who qualitatively reported recalling something about the health message.
ReactanceImmediately post-exposure to intervention3-items; 5-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree These messages are trying to manipulate me. These messages annoy me. The health effects of these messages are overblown. Items are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.

Countries

United States

Participant flow

Pre-assignment details

Participants who consented to the study but did not complete the activity in REDCap that triggered randomization to an arm, were excluded from the rest of the study.

Participants by arm

ArmCount
Culturally Targeted Messages
Participants will view 8 nicotine and tobacco health messages with LGBT culturally targeted messages and imagery Health communications: Participants will view eight culturally targeted or non-targeted health communications about the health risks of nicotine and tobacco use.
129
Non-targeted Messages
Participants will view 8 nicotine and tobacco health messages with universal messages and imagery Health communications: Participants will view eight culturally targeted or non-targeted health communications about the health risks of nicotine and tobacco use.
122
Total251

Baseline characteristics

CharacteristicCulturally Targeted MessagesNon-targeted MessagesTotal
Age, Categorical
<=18 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
>=65 years
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Age, Categorical
Between 18 and 65 years
129 Participants122 Participants251 Participants
Behavioral Intentions
Subscale 1: Behavioral intentions to avoid cigarettes
2.61 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.81
2.49 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.85
2.55 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.83
Behavioral Intentions
Subscale 2: Behavioral intentions to avoid nicotine vapes
2.29 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.77
2.17 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.67
2.23 units on a scale
STANDARD_DEVIATION 0.72
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Hispanic or Latino
4 Participants11 Participants15 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Not Hispanic or Latino
123 Participants110 Participants233 Participants
Ethnicity (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
2 Participants1 Participants3 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
American Indian or Alaska Native
0 Participants1 Participants1 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Asian
17 Participants11 Participants28 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Black or African American
54 Participants59 Participants113 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
More than one race
6 Participants2 Participants8 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
Unknown or Not Reported
0 Participants0 Participants0 Participants
Race (NIH/OMB)
White
52 Participants49 Participants101 Participants
Region of Enrollment
United States
129 participants122 participants251 participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Female
61 Participants64 Participants125 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Male
44 Participants33 Participants77 Participants
Sex/Gender, Customized
Unknown
24 Participants25 Participants49 Participants

Adverse events

Event typeEG000
affected / at risk
EG001
affected / at risk
deaths
Total, all-cause mortality
0 / 1290 / 122
other
Total, other adverse events
0 / 1290 / 122
serious
Total, serious adverse events
0 / 1290 / 122

Outcome results

Primary

Behavioral Intentions: Quitting Smoking

Number of participants who answer Yes to the following: Do you plan to quit smoking cigarettes in the next 30 days? (Yes/No)

Time frame: Difference between conditions in behavioral intentions to quit smoking at 1-week follow-up after intervention exposure

Population: Participants who reported current cigarette smoking at 1-week follow-up

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Culturally Targeted MessagesBehavioral Intentions: Quitting Smoking22 Participants
Non-targeted MessagesBehavioral Intentions: Quitting Smoking25 Participants
Primary

Behavioral Intentions to Quit Vaping

Number of participants who answer Yes to the following: Do you plan to quit vaping nicotine in the next 30 days? (Yes/No)

Time frame: Difference between conditions in behavioral intentions to quit vaping at 1-week follow-up after intervention exposure

Population: Participants reporting nicotine vaping at follow-up

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Culturally Targeted MessagesBehavioral Intentions to Quit Vaping29 Participants
Non-targeted MessagesBehavioral Intentions to Quit Vaping31 Participants
Primary

Change in Behavioral Intentions

8 items total. 4-point scale 1 = Definitely not to 4 = Definitely will. The following items were asked at baseline and post-exposure. How likely is it that in the next 3 months, you will refrain from vaping nicotine.... * completely and permanently? * when you get lonely? * when you are with your friends who use them? * when someone hands you a vape? How likely is it that in the next 3 months, you will refrain from smoking cigarettes... * completely and permanently? * when you get lonely? * when you are with your friends who use them? * when someone hands you a cigarette? For each subscale, pre-test and post-test items were summed and averaged. Change scores were calculated for each subscale by subtracting pre-test scores from post-test scores. Change scores could range from 0 to 3. Higher change scores indicate a better outcome (i.e. greater change in intentions to refrain from smoking or vaping)

Time frame: Change from Baseline in behavioral intentions immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analytic sample includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesChange in Behavioral IntentionsChange in cigarette smoking behavioral intentions.20 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesChange in Behavioral IntentionsChange in nicotine vaping behavioral intentions.44 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesChange in Behavioral IntentionsChange in cigarette smoking behavioral intentions.36 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesChange in Behavioral IntentionsChange in nicotine vaping behavioral intentions.30 score on a scale
Primary

Perceived Message Effectiveness - Effects Perceptions

6-items. 5-point scale where 1 = Strongly disagree to 5 = Strongly agree These messages discourage me from smoking cigarettes. These messages make me concerned about the negative effects of smoking cigarettes These messages make smoking cigarettes seem unpleasant to me. 3-items above are summed and averaged. Higher scores indicate better outcome. These messages discourage me from vaping nicotine. These messages make me concerned about the negative effects of vaping nicotine. These messages make vaping nicotine seem unpleasant to me. 3-items above are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analytic sample includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Effects PerceptionsEffects Perceptions: Smoking Cigarettes3.64 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Effects PerceptionsEffects Perceptions: Vaping Nicotine3.49 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Effects PerceptionsEffects Perceptions: Smoking Cigarettes3.80 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Effects PerceptionsEffects Perceptions: Vaping Nicotine3.69 score on a scale
Primary

Perceived Message Effectiveness - Message Perceptions

6-items on a 5-point scale where 1 = Not at all and 5 = Very much. Please rate each statement from 1 (not at all) to 5 (very much). These message are worth remembering. These messages grabbed my attention. These messages are powerful. These messages are convincing. These messages are meaningful. These messages are informative. Individual items are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analytic sample includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Message Perceptions3.68 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesPerceived Message Effectiveness - Message Perceptions3.7 score on a scale
Primary

Visual Attention - Dwell Time

Visual attention measured by dwell time (milliseconds) on areas of interest (AOI; e.g., text, graphic) within a stimuli was assessed via eye-tracking for each message (n=8). Dwell times on AOIs were summed for all stimuli viewed by each participant and averaged. Scores represent total average dwell time on AOIs across stimuli.

Time frame: During intervention on Day 1, on average 3 minutes

Population: Participants were included for analysis if they completed the eye-tracking experiment and were not missing dwell time data.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Efficacy1695.21 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeImage AOI: Central Image2771.12 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Quit Resources317.90 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeImage AOI: Logo80.75 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Threat1871.00 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeImage AOI: Logo97.80 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Threat1881.01 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Efficacy1603.15 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeTextual AOI: Quit Resources338.23 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Dwell TimeImage AOI: Central Image2692.30 milliseconds
Primary

Visual Attention - Time to First Fixation

Time (milliseconds) to first fixation on areas of interest (text, graphic) within a stimuli was assessed via eye-tracking for each message (n=8). Time to first fixation on a specific AOI was summed for all stimuli viewed by each participant and averaged. Scores represent total average time to first fixation on AOIs across stimuli.

Time frame: During intervention on Day 1, on average 3 minutes.

Population: Participants were included for analysis if they completed eye-tracking and did not have missing data capturing time to first fixation.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Efficacy3525.47 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationImage AOI: Central Image1570.31 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Quit Resources1919.12 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationImage AOI: Logo993.50 milliseconds
Culturally Targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Threat890.45 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationImage AOI: Logo1061.08 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Threat929.25 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Efficacy3494.96 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationTextual AOI: Quit Resources1997.02 milliseconds
Non-targeted MessagesVisual Attention - Time to First FixationImage AOI: Central Image1520.20 milliseconds
Secondary

Ad Relevance

5 items; 7-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly Disagree and 7 = Strongly agree These ads were created just for me. These ads were created for people like me. These ads were relevant to me. These ads were of value to me. These ads were important to me. Items were summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 7. Higher scores indicate a better outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analysis includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesAd Relevance3.65 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesAd Relevance3.64 score on a scale
Secondary

Attitudes

Two items; 7-point Likert scale where 1 = These message made me feel much worse and 7 = These message made me feel much better. Did these messages change how you feel about smoking combustible cigarettes? Did these messages change how you feel about vaping nicotine? Higher scores mean a worse outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analysis includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesAttitudesChange in feelings about smoking cigarettes2.78 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesAttitudesChange in feelings about vaping nicotine2.81 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesAttitudesChange in feelings about smoking cigarettes2.94 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesAttitudesChange in feelings about vaping nicotine2.90 score on a scale
Secondary

Liking

Single item; 5-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree I like these messages.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analysis includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesLiking3.82 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesLiking4.04 score on a scale
Secondary

Qualitative Recall of Health Messages

Participants will be asked the following question: The images that you viewed included health messages. What do you remember about the health messages? Outcome indicates then number of participants who qualitatively reported recalling something about the health message.

Time frame: 1-week follow-up after intervention exposure

Population: Number of participants who reported recalling something about the health messages.

ArmMeasureValue (COUNT_OF_PARTICIPANTS)
Culturally Targeted MessagesQualitative Recall of Health Messages81 Participants
Non-targeted MessagesQualitative Recall of Health Messages79 Participants
Secondary

Reactance

3-items; 5-point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree These messages are trying to manipulate me. These messages annoy me. The health effects of these messages are overblown. Items are summed and averaged for a total score ranging from 1 to 5. Higher scores indicate a worse outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analysis includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesReactance2.11 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesReactance2.07 score on a scale
Secondary

Response Efficacy

6-items; 5 point Likert scale where 1 = Strongly disagree and 5 = Strongly agree These messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to switch to vaping. These messages will motivate people to quit ALL smoking and vaping. These messages will motivate NON-USERS to start vaping. These messages will motivate NON-USERS to start smoking cigarettes. These messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to quit. These messages will motivate VAPERS to quit. Higher scores mean a better outcome.

Time frame: Immediately post-exposure to intervention

Population: Analysis includes all participants for whom baseline and post-exposure data is available.

ArmMeasureGroupValue (MEAN)
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to switch to vaping.2.07 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate people to quit ALL smoking and vaping.3.48 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate NON-USERS to start vaping.1.53 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate NON-USERS to start smoking cigarettes.1.46 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to quit.3.41 score on a scale
Culturally Targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate VAPERS to quit.3.34 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to quit.3.46 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate CIGARETTE SMOKERS to switch to vaping.1.93 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate NON-USERS to start smoking cigarettes.1.38 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate people to quit ALL smoking and vaping.3.43 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate VAPERS to quit.3.51 score on a scale
Non-targeted MessagesResponse EfficacyThese messages will motivate NON-USERS to start vaping.1.51 score on a scale

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 4, 2026