Using ANDS to Reduce Harm for Low SES Cigarette Smokers

Using Alternative Nicotine Delivery Systems (ANDS) to Reduce Harm for Low SES Cigarette Smokers. (Tri-PEC Study)

This study investigates whether providing 8 weeks of complimentary electronic cigarettes (EC) or nicotine pouches (NP) to low socioeconomic status (SES) adults who smoke and are unable or unwilling to quit smoking will lead to: a) substitution of cigarette smoking with EC or NP; and b) reduced biological indicators of tobacco use and harm relative to those continuing to smoke as usual. This study also examines the feasibility and acceptability of providing EC or NP to help substitution of combustible cigarettes, exploring willingness to participate, continuing with the study, and barriers to substitution through interviews. This project will enroll 45 low SES adults who smoke and will be randomized to one of the three groups that will be followed for 8 weeks: EC, NP, or smoking as usual. The first study hypothesis is that participants receiving EC or NP will smoke fewer cigarettes per day and have lower cigarette dependence at Week 8 relative to their baseline level, and when compared to the control group. The second hypothesis is that those in the EC or NP group will have greater cigarette abstinence than those smoking as usual at Week 8. There are no anticipated differences between those receiving EC and NP. The third hypothesis is that biological indicators of tobacco use and harm will be lower in those receiving EC or NP relative to their baseline level, and when compared to the control group. The hypothesis is that these biological indicators will be lower in those receiving NP than EC.

This study investigates whether providing 8 weeks of complimentary electronic cigarettes (EC) or nicotine pouches (NP) to low socioeconomic status (SES) adults who smoke and are unable or unwilling to quit smoking will lead to: a) substitution of cigarette smoking with EC or NP; and b) reduced biological indicators of tobacco use and harm relative to those continuing to smoke as usual. This study also examines the feasibility and acceptability of providing EC or NP to help substitution of combustible cigarettes, exploring willingness to participate, continuing with the study, and barriers to substitution through interviews. This project will enroll 45 low SES adults who smoke and will be randomized to one of the three groups that will be followed for 8 weeks: EC, NP, or smoking as usual. At the start of the study, participants will provide informed consent; biological indicators and self-report measures will be collected; and participants will be randomly assigned to one of the 3 groups. Participants in the EC or NP groups will be allowed to experiment with EC or NP flavors prior to receiving an adequate supply of the product to fully substitute combustible smoking for four weeks. Participants in these two groups will also receive encouragement to fully switch from cigarettes to EC or NP. Participants will have 3 in-person visits (baseline, week 4, week 8) and 4 phone visits (weeks 1, 3, 7, and 16). At the week 4 in-person visit, participants will receive a second four-week product supply. Participants will also receive ongoing encouragement to fully substitute with EC or NPs whenever participants would normally smoke. Biomarkers and self-report measures will be reassessed at the Week 8 visit after which participants will complete a debriefing interview. Participants will complete a final report at Week 16. The first study hypothesis is that participants receiving EC or NP will smoke fewer cigarettes per day and have lower cigarette dependence at Week 8 relative to their baseline level, and when compared to the control group. The second hypothesis is that those in the EC or NP group will have greater cigarette abstinence than those smoking as usual at Week 8. There are no anticipated differences between those receiving EC and NP. The third hypothesis is that biological indicators of tobacco use and harm will be lower in those receiving EC or NP relative to their baseline level, and when compared to the control group. The hypothesis is that these biological indicators will be lower in those receiving NP than EC.

cigarette substitution, electronic nicotine delivery systems, ENDS, e-cigarette, nicotine pouch, nicotine dependence, low SES, smoking

Participants in this experimental condition will be provided with a 4th generation electronic cigarette device and disposable cartridges.

Participants will be provided with electronic cigarettes and 5% nicotine e-liquid cartridges for 8 weeks and encouraged at in-person and phone assessments to use the electronic cigarette any time they would normally smoke. Participants will be able to choose one of two e-liquid flavors (tobacco, menthol) at baseline.

Participants will be provided with 4mg nicotine pouches for 8 weeks and encouraged at in-person and phone assessments to use the nicotine pouches any time they would normally smoke. Participants will be able to choose one of two nicotine pouch flavors (tobacco, mint) at baseline.

Within and between group difference in past week average cigarettes per day assessed using timeline follow-back (TLFB)

Change in cigarette dependence within group and between groups. Assessed using the Strong et al measure adapted from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health survey

4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol (NNAL), a ratio of NNAL to creatinine-adjusted cotinine assessed via urine and compared within group and between groups.

Willingness to participate as measured by proportion of eligible participants following in-person screening who enroll in the study. Retention as measured by weeks of study participation. Barriers to substitution as indicated in qualitative exit interview.

Inclusion Criteria: Age 21 (inclusive) years of age or greater Past 6 months daily smoking of ≥ 5 cigarettes/day Exhaled CO ≥ 6 ppm at baseline Household income < 250% federal poverty level (FPL) Willingness to substitute combustible cigarettes for EC or NPs Ability to read and write in English Own a telephone (landline or cellphone) Exclusion Criteria: Intention to quit smoking during the next 30 days Current or past 30 day engagement in smoking cessation Current use of EC or NP ≥ 4 days per month Current self-report of primarily using tobacco products that are not combustible cigarettes Urine-screened pregnancy Hospitalization for a psychiatric issue in the past 30 days or visible instability Other household member is a study participant Participating in another clinical trial at the same time Heart-related event in the past 30 days Planning to move out of the Providence area in the next six months Note: Cannabis use will be assessed but not excluded

Deidentified study data except for transcriptions of qualitative interviews will be made available after the completion of all study activities.

After closing the study IRB protocol and destroying all identifiers. Anticipated 2 years after completion of primary data collection. Data availability will be perpetual. Data dissemination plan is pending.