PACE Vape Messaging Study

Using content developed from the formative research phase, participants in this randomized controlled trial will either be exposed to ten vape education messages or to ten messages on sun safety, with all messages formatted for social media.

This study will take place over a 1-month period. Individuals who complete the screening survey and are eligible to participate will be invited to complete a 10-15 minute baseline survey at the start of the study. This survey will ask questions about tobacco and electronic vapor product use, and beliefs about and perceptions of vape products. This survey will also ask about exposure to tobacco and e-cigarette marketing, exposure to prevention messaging on vaping and tobacco use, and peer and family influences on tobacco use. During the survey, participants will be presented with and be asked to provide feedback for short health-related messages.

One month after completing this survey, participants will be sent an invitation to the follow-up survey. This survey will again ask about tobacco and electronic vapor product use, and beliefs about and perceptions of vape products.

All study procedures will take place remotely, with surveys conducted online. At the end of the first survey, participants will be eligible to receive a $10 online gift card. Upon completion of the follow-up survey, participants will be eligible to receive a $15 online gift card. In total, participants will be eligible to receive up to $25 for completing both surveys. Those who are ineligible will not be asked to complete the baseline survey and will not be compensated.

Inclusion criteria

• Ages 18-24
• Vermont resident
• Access to a smartphone with internet
• Use of one or more social media site(s) at least weekly

Exclusion criteria

• Aged 25 years or older
• Not Vermont resident
• No access to a smartphone with internet
• Use of one or more social media site(s) less than weekly