Quitting Together: A Mixed-Methods Investigation of Family and Interpersonal Influences on Cigarette Smoking and Cessation in Young Adult-Parent Dyads

Date Added
November 12th, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00152102
Researcher
Amanda Kastrinos

List of Studies

Keywords
Smoking
Summary

Young adults who smoke are at a high risk of developing tobacco-related diseases and cancers. Young adults are also less likely to quit smoking than older adults, and having a parent who also smokes can make quitting even harder. This study looks at how family relationships affect smoking and quitting among young adults ages 18 to 29 who smoke every day and have a parent who currently smokes. In the first phase of this study, young adults will complete online surveys about their smoking habits and their relationship with their parent. In the second phase, some of those young adults and their parents will take part in one-on-one interviews to talk about how their relationship affects smoking and quitting. All study activities will be done remotely. What researchers learn will help guide the development of a future program that helps young adults and their parents quit smoking together.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Brooke Chernek
8439855283
chernekb@musc.edu

A Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation for Pre-Bariatric Surgery Patients

Date Added
November 3rd, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00152612
Researcher
Caitlin Smith

List of Studies

Keywords
Obesity, Smoking
Summary

The purpose of this study is to evaluate a multiple health behavior change intervention for weight loss and smoking cessation using medication (Naltrexone/Bupropion) and behavior therapy for adults considering bariatric surgery. This pilot randomized control trial will study whether the intervention helps with weight loss and smoking cessation by comparing it to the current standard of care. This study will provide important data needed to improve readiness for bariatric surgery utilization and reduce risk for smoking relapse long term.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Caitlin Smith
843-876-0453
smithcai@musc.edu

Dynamic patterns of oral nicotine pouch use and transitions in cigarette and smokeless tobacco use: a fine-grained naturalistic cohort study

Date Added
September 2nd, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00152573
Researcher
Matthew Carpenter

List of Studies

Keywords
Smoking
Summary

This is a research study to understand patterns of nicotine pouch use over time among three separate groups of people who: 1) co-use nicotine pouches and cigarettes, 2) co-use nicotine pouches and conventional smokeless tobacco (including chewing tobacco, dip, moist snuff, or snus), or 3) exclusively use nicotine pouches. This is a naturalistic survey study; there is nothing required or requested of participants other than to complete our surveys. Participants do not need to quit or reduce their pouch/smoking/smokeless tobacco product use if they do not want to. They do not need to travel for this study; it is completely remote, and they can participate from their home.
Participation in the study will take place over a period of 12 months in the form of: 1) Monthly Surveys (13 total), 2) Daily Diaries for the first 90 days, and 3) Follow-Up Diaries in each of the 7 days leading up to each monthly follow-up survey.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Avery Roberson
(843) 876-2441
robersav@musc.edu

Development of a Multiple Health Behavior Change Intervention for Weight Loss and Smoking Cessation for Pre-Bariatric Surgery Patients

Date Added
September 1st, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00152089
Researcher
Caitlin Smith

List of Studies

Keywords
Obesity, Smoking
Summary

The purpose of this research study is to develop a multiple health behavior change intervention for weight loss and smoking cessation using medication (Naltrexone/Bupropion) and behavior therapy for adults considering bariatric surgery. All participants will receive the intervention (medication + behavior therapy) for four months. Participants will complete an interview at the end of treatment, which will be used to improve the intervention.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Caitlin Smith
843-876-0453
smithcai@musc.edu

High-Dose Nicotine Replacement Therapy for Quitting Cigarettes and E-cigarettes

Date Added
April 21st, 2026
PRO Number
Pro00150067
Researcher
Amanda Palmer

List of Studies

Keywords
Drug Studies, Smoking, Substance Use
Summary

Many people use both cigarettes and e-cigarettes (dual use) and want to quit both. However, little is known about the best way to support individuals who want to quit dual use. This study will test different doses of nicotine replacement therapy (patches and lozenges), a medication typically used for quitting smoking, to see which dose is best for people using both cigarettes and e-cigarettes. This study will also see if quitting cigarettes and e-cigarettes can lead to changes in health that might prevent cancer.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Rachel Bracci
(843)737-1516
chrisrac@musc.edu

Piloting a Treatment Decision-Making Algorithm Assessment for Smoking Cessation Medications

Date Added
June 10th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00140442
Researcher
Rachel Tomko

List of Studies

Keywords
Psychiatry, Smoking
Summary

Eligible participants (ages 18+ whom have daily cigarette use) will attend an in-person assessment (though some aspects of the study, including consent, can be completed remotely). Participants will submit a breath sample for assessment of expired carbon monoxide. Approximately 5-7 days after completion of the in-person assessment, participants will meet with research staff. A medical clinician will meet with the participant to present a smoking cessation treatment recommendation along with resources. Participants will also complete surveys to assess their treatment preferences, motivation, and self-efficacy following receipt of the recommendation.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Kevin Branson
843-792-0493
bransonk@musc.edu

Circuitry-guided repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) for tobacco use in Veterans: A comparison of insula-rTMS and prefrontal-rTMS

Date Added
May 6th, 2025
PRO Number
Pro00141919
Researcher
Xingbao Li

List of Studies

Keywords
Brain, Healthy Volunteer Studies, Smoking, Substance Use
Summary

Quitting smoking is hard, and many Veterans struggle even with current treatments. This study is testing a safe, non-invasive brain stimulation called repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), which is already FDA-approved to help people stop smoking. We're comparing two types—standard and personalized—to see which works better. We aim to find the best option to help Veterans quit for good.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Cyra Valente
843 792-0136
VA email in process (valentec@musc.edu)

Evaluation of Low- and High-Nicotine Tobacco-Free Nicotine Pouches as a Harm Reducing Substitute for Combustible Cigarettes

Date Added
October 15th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00139710
Researcher
Amanda Palmer

List of Studies

Keywords
Smoking
Summary

Tobacco-free oral nicotine pouches (such as Zyn brand) are a less harmful alternative to combustible tobacco (cigarette/cigarillo/little cigar) smoking. Pouches, however, contain nicotine, and addictive substance that is not risk-free. The present study is evaluating how well nicotine pouches, at different nicotine levels, help people switch away from smoking combustible tobacco. People who smoke will be asked to answer questions about their tobacco product use and provide breath samples and cheek swab samples at an in-person visit to MUSC Charleston. Participants will then be provided with a 28-day supply of nicotine pouches, and will be asked to switch from smoking to pouches over the course of 4 weeks. Finally, participants will complete a final visit at MUSC, and will answer more questions about their tobacco use 1-month later.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Talia Ogretmen
843-259-8111
ogretmet@musc.edu

A Novel Harm Reduction Approach for Oncology Outpatients who Smoke and Refuse Traditional Tobacco Treatment

Date Added
August 20th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00138162
Researcher
Alana Rojewski

List of Studies

Keywords
Cancer, Smoking
Summary

For patients in cancer care, quitting smoking is critical, but a significant portion of patients in cancer care refuse all components of tobacco treatment, even when offered proactively and free of charge. The proposed clinical trial will assess one harm reduction intervention, switching completely from cigarettes to e-cigarettes, among oncology outpatients who smoke and refuse traditional tobacco treatment.

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Rachel Bracci
843-737-1516
chrisrac@musc.edu

A prospective trial of varenicline and incentives for e-cigarette cessation in adults who co-use cannabis

Date Added
June 4th, 2024
PRO Number
Pro00136601
Researcher
Erin McClure

List of Studies

Keywords
Smoking, Substance Use
Summary

The purpose of this study is to better understand tobacco outcomes using a commonly prescribed stop smoking medication (varenicline) and financial incentives for adults who also use cannabis. Varenicline is not FDA approved for e-cigarette cessation, but is FDA approved for cigarette cessation. We are also interested in how cannabis/marijuana and tobacco interact during a tobacco quit attempt. All participants will receive e-cigarette cessation treatment for 12 weeks. To qualify, participants must be between the ages of 18-40 and use both tobacco and cannabis. Participants do not need to be interested in quitting cannabis to qualify. This study is being conducted at three sites: the Medical University of South Carolina in Charleston, SC, Behavioral Health Services in Pickens, SC, and MUSC Lancaster

Institution
MUSC
Recruitment Contact
Elizabeth Chapman
843-792-4097 or 843-284-9933
smokingstudy@musc.edu



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