Integration of community-engaged research technology and methods to guide tobacco regulatory science in rural communities

Authors

• Melissa H. Abadi, Louisville CenterFollow
• Stephen R. Shamblen, Louisville Center
• Mary Kay Rayens, University of KentuckyFollow
• Kirsten T. Thompson, Louisville Center
• Amy Wildman, Louisville Center
• Kathy Rademacher, University of Kentucky College of NursingFollow
• William Wieczorek, Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation
• Raphael Nishimura, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Shyanika W. Rose, University of KentuckyFollow
• Mikhail N. Koffarnus, University of KentuckyFollow
• Seth Himelhoch, University of Kentucky
• Ellen J. Hahn, University of KentuckyFollow

Abstract

Objective – This study aims to build a rural Appalachian cohort to examine how US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) regulatory policies influence tobacco and nicotine product use across levels of rurality. Methods – The AppalTRUST (Appalachian Tobacco Regulatory Science Team) Cohort integrates four inter-connected Community-engaged Research + Technology (CEnRT) elements to support recruitment and retention: (1) building trust and cultural relevance; (2) addressing barriers to participation in research; (3) focusing on ethics and confidentiality; and (4) fostering ongoing and consistent collaboration between the scientific and field teams. The study uses a dual sampling design to recruit 1, 000 quota-based non-probability sample participants and 1, 000 address-based probability sample participants. Eligible adults (ages 18+) are recruited from two Appalachian Kentucky catchments spanning rural and peri-urban counties. A local field team combines culturally relevant engagement strategies with technology-enabled procedures, including virtual consent and participant tracking, to foster trust and relevance with an underserved population. Anticipated results – Recruitment is ongoing. Feasibility indicators include enrollment of 985 non-probability sample participants and 209 probability sample participants, a 16% direct-mail response rate, and a 62% participant preference for text-based consent and survey reminders. Expected outcomes include guidance for applying CEnRT approaches in underserved populations, characterization of tobacco and nicotine use trends across the rural–peri-urban continuum, and description of marketing exposure and consumer choice among subgroups of young adults and daily users in Appalachia. Findings will inform FDA CTP regulatory decision-making in rural Appalachian communities. Discussion – This integrated CEnRT approach shows promise for recruiting and retaining rural Appalachian adults by centering community voice, trust, confidentiality, and practical engagement strategies.

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2026

Notes/Citation Information

Publisher Copyright: Copyright © 2026 Abadi, Shamblen, Rayens, Thompson, Wildman, Rademacher, Wieczorek, Nishimura, Rose, Koffarnus, Himelhoch and Hahn.

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.3389/fpubh.2026.1867960

Archival?

Archival

Repository Citation

Abadi, Melissa H.; Shamblen, Stephen R.; Rayens, Mary Kay; Thompson, Kirsten T.; Wildman, Amy; Rademacher, Kathy; Wieczorek, William; Nishimura, Raphael; Rose, Shyanika W.; Koffarnus, Mikhail N.; Himelhoch, Seth; and Hahn, Ellen J., "Integration of community-engaged research technology and methods to guide tobacco regulatory science in rural communities" (2026). Biostatistics Faculty Publications. 88.
https://uknowledge.uky.edu/biostatistics_facpub/88