Impact of Low Nicotine Cigarette Messaging on Perceptions and Cigarette Choices

This randomized single-site study will assess the subject's risk perceptions and hypothetical tobacco product choices based on their exposure to an educational messaging condition related to nicotine content in cigarettes.

Subjects (N=40 in each group) will be given a pack of low nicotine content cigarettes (LNC; 0.4 mg/g) and will be randomly assigned to read one of two messaging conditions on low nicotine cigarettes.

Smokers will undergo a telephone screening to assess eligibility, then move on to the next steps of the study depending on eligibility:

• Virtual Zoom Screening - Completed after telephone screen: Informed consent is obtained and then an interview where data is collected and eligibility is further assessed.
• Curbside Visit - Completed after the screening and if eligible: Breath test, and if necessary a urine test, is performed to assess smoking levels and urine pregnancy test is attained (if applicable). If eligible, randomization to messaging condition occurs and participants provided a pack of low nicotine content cigarettes.
• Virtual Zoom Home Session - Completed after curbside and if eligible based on curbside: Surveys assessing main outcome variables assessed.
• Follow-up - Completed 1 week after the virtual Zoom session: Interview where assessment of health and product usage is assessed.

Except for the initial telephone screening, participants will receive compensation for each part of the study.

Inclusion criteria

• Male or female
• At least 21 years of age
• Biochemically confirmed smoker

Exclusion criteria

• Unstable health condition
• Unstable medications
• Pregnant or nursing
• Unreliable access to a computer, smart phone or tablet without working camera and internet access for telehealth visits and online questionnaires