Who can join the ACT on Vaping study?

  • Individuals aged 18-30 who live in the U.S.
  • Vape at least weekly.
  • Own an Android or iPhone.
  • Are willing/able to complete all study activities.
  • Participants do not have to be ready to quit vaping in order to join the study.

What do I have to do?

  • Complete a 5-minute online survey to determine if you may be eligible to join this study.
  • If you may be eligible, read and sign the study consent form and fill out another online survey (takes 10-20 minutes).
  • You will be randomly assigned (like a toss of a coin) to receive one of two digital programs.
  • Use the study digital program over a 3-month period.
  • Respond to 3 "check-in" text messages. You will receive $5 for each response for a total of $15.
  • Fill out a study survey (10-20 minutes) after 3 months of being in the study. You will be compensated up to $50 for the completed survey.
  • Fill out a 5-minute vaping status survey after 5.5 months of being in the study. You will be compensated up to $35 for completing the short survey.
  • Fill out the end of study survey (10-20 minutes) after 6 months of being in the study. You will be compensated up to $50 for the completed survey.
  • After completing the 3- and 6-month follow-up surveys and the 5-minute vaping status survey at 5.5-months, you may be asked to complete a saliva test. If so, you will be compensated up to $25 after sending us your result at each time point.
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ACT on Vaping FAQ

Who is conducting this study?

Jaimee Heffner, PhD is the Principal Investigator of this study. Dr. Heffner is an Associate Professor in the Cancer Prevention Program at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center. You can learn more about Dr. Heffner's work here.

Who is funding this research?

The National Institutes of Health is funding this research study.

What is your confidentiality and privacy policy?

Keeping your information confidential and private is very important to us. Here are steps we take to protect your information:

  • Your survey information will be kept strictly confidential on a secure website
  • The study website is encrypted
  • The study server is housed behind Fred Hutch hardware firewall
  • We will not use identifiable information about you in any reports about this study, such as journal articles or presentations at scientific meetings
  • This research study is covered by a Certificate of Confidentiality from the U.S. government. This Certificate helps protect the confidentiality of information about people who join this study by prohibiting disclosure of identifiable, sensitive research information to anyone not connected to the research, except if the participant consents and a few other specific situations. You can learn more about this here (Certificates of Confidentiality (CoC) - Human Subjects | grants.nih.gov)

How long is this study?

Enrolled individuals participate in this study for 6 months.

What will I get if I become a study participant?

Study participants get access to a digital intervention at no cost to them and will receive compensation up to $231 after completing the study activities.

What is the difference between the two digital programs?

Both programs include apps that can help you better understand your vaping behavior and explore quitting. Both programs provide you with text messages. One program helps to explore personal values and learn acceptance-based coping skills and the other provides information about the quitting process and about the health benefits of quitting vaping.

Is this study intended to provide mental health care?

This study is not intended to provide mental health care. Should you experience mental health difficulties or suicidal thoughts, please seek assistance from a healthcare provider or crisis line:

  • National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline: 988
  • National Crisis Text: Text HOME to 741741 (crisistextline.org)

Does study staff monitor my survey responses and reach out if I need help?

No, the responses to the survey questions are not monitored. Should you need assistance with mental health, please see a health care professional and reach out to one of the resources above for support. If you need help completing study-related activities (e.g., technical support), you should contact the study manager by email at ACTonVaping@fredhutch.org or by phone at 206.667.2428.

What information is tracked when I sign up for the study?

If you are eligible to participate and complete all the required questions and documents to be in the study, we will send you a text message with a link. When you click on this link, we will receive information about your smartphone device so we can verify that you are able to receive SMS text messages. We will also record your IP address as part of our eligibility checks.

What information do you keep about me and/or my browser if I use the study website?

We will keep information about your IP address if you enroll in this study. We will also maintain a list of dates/times you use the program, and the parts of the program that you accessed.

How can I delete my Google Play and Apple app account identity?

Please email the study team at ACTonVaping@fredhutch.org to request to delete your Google Play and Apple ACT on Vaping app account identity.

What other options do I have if I do not want to take part in this study?

You do not have to join this study. You are free to say "yes" or "no". If you decide not to take part in this study, you can still receive treatment to help you to quit vaping. Your other choices may include:

  • Talking to your doctor
  • National Cancer Institute’s tobacco cessation websites (which includes information on vaping), apps, and text messaging programs: see www.smokefree.gov
  • Your state quitline (available in all 50 states) by calling 800-QUIT-NOW
  • Truth Initiative's This is Quitting text messaging program (text DITCHVAPE to 88709)

Any questions? Please email us at ACTonVaping@fredhutch.org