Clinical Outcomes of a Nationwide, Naturalistic E-Cig Trial (CONNECT)

Overview

The purpose of this study is to measure changes in smoking behavior during and following sampling of an e-cigarette product. E-cigarettes are classified by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a tobacco product, though they contain no tobacco. Unlike regular cigarettes, which are burned (creating smoke that is inhaled), e-cigarettes include a heating element that vaporizes nicotine. E-cigarettes are likely much safer than conventional cigarettes, but they may not be entirely safe. We are testing the effects of one specific ecigarette (NJoy) on naturalistic changes in smoking behavior. Neither the tobacco industry nor any ecigarette manufacturer provides support of any kind to this study. There is no requirement to quit smoking in this study, nor is there any requirement to use e-cigarettes.

Eligible smokers, once consented, will be randomized to receive a sample of ecigarettes (NJoy Pre-Filled Tank; n=440) or not (n=220). E-cigarette samples are inclusive of a battery and self-contained tanks of assorted flavors to last up to 4 weeks. Participants will be recruited nationally, but a subset (N=120) will be recruited locally to allow for biomarker collection . Our two-fold purpose is to 1) characterize naturalistic uptake of e-cigarettes, and 2) assess impact of e-cigarette uptake on smoking behavior. All smokers will be asked to provide smoking diary data, captured electronically, daily for 4 weeks. More substantive phone assessment will track smoking and related behaviors at baseline (Day 0) and +10, +17, and +24 days (weekly during initial 3 weeks, following brief lag for delays in product mailing), and at +1, +3, and +6 months.