A Consumer Use Behavior Study to Measure the Puffing Topography of Heated Tobacco Products
This study aims to understand how current smokers use heated tobacco products. We're inviting 240 adult smokers in the UK to take part. For five days, you'll use two different heated tobacco devices and their specific tobacco sticks at home. We'll ask you to answer daily online surveys about your smoking habits and how much you use the new products. At the end, you'll share your overall thoughts on the products and if you'd consider buying them. The main goal is to observe and record your puffing patterns when using these heated tobacco devices, to learn more about how they are used in real-life situations.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This study is all about understanding how people use new heated tobacco products (HTPs) in their everyday lives. HTPs are devices that heat tobacco without burning it, aiming to deliver nicotine. Researchers want to observe and record how current smokers actually puff on these devices.
They're inviting 240 adult smokers in the UK to try two different HTP devices, along with two types of tobacco sticks designed for these devices. You'll use these products at home for five days. The main thing they want to find out is your 'puffing topography' – which means how often, how long, and how strongly you puff on the device. This helps them understand real-world usage patterns.
By taking part, you'll be helping researchers learn more about how people interact with heated tobacco products. This information can be useful for understanding how these products are used and could inform future research or product development.
Key takeaways
- It's a study looking at how people use heated tobacco products.
- You'll use products at home for five days and complete daily online surveys.
- The study is for current adult cigarette smokers in the UK.
- You can't be pregnant or planning pregnancy.
- You'll share your thoughts on the products at the end.
- Your puffing patterns on the devices will be measured.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be a healthy man or woman between 21 and 65 years old. You must be able to read and understand English and live in the UK. Importantly, you should currently smoke at least five regular cigarettes a day, almost every day, and have smoked over 100 cigarettes in your lifetime.
You also need to be open to trying a heated tobacco product and agree to follow all study rules, including only using the specific products given to you for the study. You must also promise not to let anyone else use the study products you are given.
Unfortunately, you can't take part if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant or breastfeed within the next six months. Women who could become pregnant must also agree to use reliable contraception throughout the study.
Could this study suit you?
Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.
- Are you between 21 and 65 years old?
- Do you currently smoke at least five cigarettes a day, almost every day?
- Have you smoked over 100 cigarettes in your lifetime?
- Are you able to read and understand English?
- Are you willing to use a heated tobacco product for five days?
- Are you NOT pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to be in the next six months?
What does participation involve?
If you join this study, you'll use specific heated tobacco devices and tobacco sticks at home for five days. You'll receive two types of devices and two types of tobacco sticks to try. Each day, you'll need to fill out a short online survey using a link provided. This survey will ask about how many regular cigarettes you smoked, how many heated tobacco sticks you used, and if you used any other tobacco or nicotine products the day before.
At the very beginning of the study, you'll have an initial visit where your information will be collected, and you'll receive the products and instructions. At the end of the five days, you'll complete one final survey. This last survey will ask about whether you liked the products overall and if you would consider buying them. There are no clinic visits during the five-day home use period. The total time you'll be involved with the study, including the initial visit and the five days of product use and surveys, will be about a week.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (2)
- Cheshunt Community Sports ParkVerified postcodeCheshunt, United Kingdom
- Channing HallVerified postcodeSheffield, United Kingdom
Common questions
What kind of products will I be using?
You will be given two different types of heated tobacco devices and two different kinds of tobacco sticks to use at home for five days.
How often do I need to complete surveys?
You'll need to fill out a short online survey every day for five days, and then a final survey at the end of the study.
Will I keep the heated tobacco devices after the study?
The study information doesn't say if you keep the devices. This is a good question to ask the study team.
Is this study safe for pregnant women?
No, pregnant women, those breastfeeding, or those planning to become pregnant in the next six months cannot take part in this study.
Can my family or friends try the products I'm given for the study?
No, you must agree not to let anyone else use any of the products provided to you for this study.
How to find out more
Montgomery Hedgecock
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
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