Why is this study being done?
Our goal is to better understand the effects of smoking filtered and unfiltered cigarettes among committed smokers.
How many people will take part in the study?
40 people will take part in this study.
How can I find out if I am eligible to participate?
To find out if you are eligible to participate you can:
- Call our study phone number at 619-839-9630 to learn more.
- Email us at filterstudy.csusm.sdsu@gmail.com to learn more.
Why might I want to enroll in this study? Why might I not want to enroll in this study?
These are the reasons you might want to join this study. 1. To contribute to the scientific literature on unfiltered cigarettes, 2. Inform state or federal regulation of filtered cigarettes.
These are the reasons you might not want to join this study: 1. Time commitment, 2. Unable to perform study activities or follow study protocol.
What will happen if I qualify to participate and enroll in this study?
The study involves smoking cigarettes through a handheld device that measures your puffs over nine weeks, during which you will earn up to $695. The first week you’ll be smoking Camel or Pall Mall cigarettes(a brand that you already smoke or are willing to switch to before the study begins) and for four weeks we will provide you study cigarettes which will be your brand of Camel or Pall Mall filtered, as well as unfiltered cigarettes. There will also be three weeks in which you smoke your Camel or Pall Mall cigarettes without the handheld device.
There will be eight lab visits at Cal State San Marcos. Most visits will take about 30 minutes and some will take about 60 minutes, and we will give you directions to our office and a parking pass. Lab visits will involve (1) providing a breath sample into a handheld device for measuring carbon monoxide, (2) providing a urine sample for measuring biomarkers of nicotine and chemicals from cigarettes, (3) measuring your weight, and (4) answering questions on a computer and in person. You will also collect your cigarette butts each week.
How long will I be in the study if I choose to enroll?
The study lasts nine (9) weeks.
If I enroll in the study, can I stop being in the study?
Participation is voluntary. You do not have to participate in this study if you do not want to. If you agree to be in this study, but later change your mind you may withdraw at any time. You may take more time to consider your desire to participate in this study and reschedule your appointment for a later date.
Will I receive anything for taking part in this study?
You will receive $20 at the first visit, $75 at another visit, and up to $100 at the remaining six visits. At the six “up to $100 visits”, you will receive $20 for providing a breath and urine sample, being weighed, and answering questions, $10 per day everyday that you used the handheld device to smoke when you were scheduled to (up to $50), and $30 per visit for returning your used study cigarette butts. This adds up to a total of $695.
What risks, side effects, inconveniences, or discomforts can I expect from being in this study?
- Because there is a widespread perception of ‘safety’ implied by the presence of filters on cigarettes, participants may be concerned about the health consequences of two weeks’ exposure to unfiltered cigarettes,
- There is a possibility that household exposure in second hand smoke will change due to smoking unfiltered cigarettes.
- The time required for the study and the monitoring procedures may be inconvenient.
- The content of the questions and the procedures will carry minimal physical or psychological discomfort. The risk of confidentiality of information being compromised is low.
What other choices do I have if I do not take part in the study?
You may choose not to participate in this study without penalty or loss of benefits to you which you are otherwise entitled.
Will my study-related information be kept confidential?
Efforts will be made to keep your study-related information confidential. However, there may be circumstances in which this information must be released. For example, personal information regarding your participation in this study may be disclosed if required by state law.
Will my medial records be accessed?
No, your medical records will not be accessed for the purposes of this study.
Who can answer my questions about the study?
For questions about the study or to see if you might be eligible to participate, you can call 619-839-9630 or email filterstudy.csusm.sdsu@gmail.com.
For other questions, concerns, or complaints about the study you may contact:
- San Diego State University’s Human Research Protection Program (HRPP) at 619-594-6622 or at irb@sdsu.edu.
Who can answer my questions about side effects or a change in my health?
You can contact your primary care physician. If there is a life-threatening emergency, dial 911.
This study was approved by the SDSU Research Protection Program (Protocol HS-2018-0152).