Studying the Health Perceptions and Social Behaviors of Graduate Students at the Ohio State University for the Development of Effective Oral Nicotine Pouch Addictive Risk Communication

Health Perceptions and Social Behaviors in Young Adults

This clinical trial studies the health perceptions and social behaviors of Ohio State University (OSU) graduate students to develop an interactive, social norms-based approach that is effective in communicating the addictive risks of oral nicotine pouches (ONPs). The use of ONPs is rising rapidly among young adults (YA). Various factors contribute to the growing popularity of ONPs, including their affordability, accessibility both online and in physical stores, discreet use, and heavy internet advertising. However, for those who are experimenting, have tried ONPs in the past, or have never used them but are surrounded by others who do, factors like affordability and availability may not be the only reasons for initiating or continuing use. Social norms are also a significant factor influencing YA tobacco use. Peer influence on college campuses and in other social environments may encourage YA to conform to behaviors they perceive as popular or acceptable. Being surrounded by peers who use ONPs may create pressure to try them, especially as YA seek to fit in within their social circles. Studying the health perceptions and social behaviors of OSU graduate students may help researchers develop an interactive, social norms-based approach that is effective in communicating the addictive risks of ONPs.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES:

I. Evaluate OSU graduate students' ONP use patterns, perceptions of use within their social circles, and ONP information-gathering behaviors on social media.

II. Test the effects of normative-focused, YA-directed ONP risk messages to enhance knowledge and correct misperceptions about addiction.

III. Estimate the effect of dynamic versus (vs.) static visual ONP risk messages on YA's information-sharing intentions.

OUTLINE: All participants will first complete Aim 1. Participants identified as high risk for nicotine dependence and who consent to follow up will then be randomly assigned to Aim 2 or Aim 3.

AIM 1: Participants complete an online survey assessing ONP use patterns, perceptions of ONP-related norms, and interactions with ONP content on social media over 5-10 minutes on study.

AIM 2: Participants view four intervention messages shown in a randomized order. These messages are randomly selected from five message blocks, which are part of a total pool of 33 messages. After viewing each message, participants complete a brief questionnaire that assesses perceived message effectiveness, ONP-related knowledge, risk perceptions, and self-efficacy.

AIM 3: Participants are randomly assigned to 1 of 2 conditions.

CONDITION I: Participants view static visual ONP risk messages on study.

CONDITION II: Participants view dynamic visual ONP risk messages on study.

Following message exposure, participants will answer questions about their intentions to use ONPs in the future, perceived susceptibility, beliefs, attitudes toward ONPs, and cognitive responses (e.g., perceived message effectiveness).

Inclusion Criteria:

• AIM 1: OSU graduate students aged 21 years or older
• AIM 2 AND 3: Students identified in Aim 1 as susceptible to ONPs, having experimented with ONPs, or currently using ONPs-those considered at high risk for nicotine dependence-will be invited to participate in Aim 2 or Aim 3
• AIM 3: Participants in Aim 2 will not be invited to participate in Aim 3, as they will have already been exposed to the experimental stimuli