About
SmokefreeSGM is a text-based smoking cessation intervention for sexual and gender minorities (SGM), including lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ+) people. This program was developed by the Health Equity Research Group (HERG) at UTHealth School of Public Health, led by Dr. Irene Tami-Maury. The program has been tailored to the needs and experiences of LGBTQ+ smokers with input from tobacco specialists, current and former LGBTQ+ smokers, and leading experts in behavioral health, epidemiology, and biostatistics.
FAQ
1.Who can participate in this study?
You must be at least 18 years old, a U.S. resident, self-identify as LGBTQ+, and a current cigarette smoker. Please contact our research team if you want to be screened for consideration to participate in this study. You can email us at HERG@uth.tmc.edu or call us at (713) 500-9174. You can also fill out and submit the Contact Us form.
2. What will I be doing as a study participant?
Before enrollment into the study, you will complete a two-step screening process via videoconference to determine your eligibility to participate. If deemed eligible, you will be enrolled in the text messaging program for 6 weeks and will receive an 8- or 10-week supply of nicotine patches via mail to help in your efforts to quit smoking. Additionally, you will be compensated after completing the follow-up assessments via videoconference at 1, 3, and 6 months. After the last assessment, you may be invited to participate in an interview to provide feedback on your experience with the text messaging program.
3. What is the time commitment?
Your involvement in this study will span for about 8 months. However, each virtual assessment will take no longer than 30 minutes. If you are invited to participate in the final virtual interview, it will take approximately 45 minutes to 1 hour.
4. Are the visits in-person?
No. All visits will be conducted virtually through video conferencing platforms. Therefore, it is important to have a smartphone/tablet/computer with a webcam and good audio.
5. Will I be compensated for my participation?
Yes. In addition to receiving complementary nicotine patches, you will also receive up to $105 in electronic gift cards for your participation in the study.
6. Do I need to provide biological samples, like blood or saliva?
You will be mailed a saliva test kit for the screening process, as well as the 3- and 6-month follow-up assessments. These at-home test kits require a saliva swab, but we will not collect the samples. You will simply show the results of your test to a research team member while we connect with you virtually
7. Is my information kept confidential?
Yes. None of the information you provide will be shared with anyone outside of the research team.
Resources
Additional Resources
State of Texas LGBTQ+ resources:
https://studentlife.tamu.edu/lgbtq/resources/ -> look under “State of Texas Resources”
List of LGBTQ+ resources in the Galveston/Houston area:
List of LGBTQ+ resources in the San Antonio area:
https://pridecentersa.org/resources/ -> look under “Health”
List of LGBTQ+ resources in the El Paso area:
https://www.borderlandrainbow.org/resources
LGBTQ+ friendly clinics in Texas:
If you know someone in crisis: