JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Background:

Traditional smoking is widely recognized as a significant public health issue, with established risks including cardiovascular, respiratory, and cancer-related health impacts. Recently, alternative tobacco and nicotine products (ATNPs), such as electronic cigarettes, have gained popularity as potentially safer substitutes for traditional tobacco use. However, there remains uncertainty regarding the health effects of ATNPs, necessitating comprehensive research to assess their risks and potential benefits compared to conventional smoking.

Objective:

The aim of this multi-center observational study, MINERVA (My changINg lifEstyles our Research and eVeryone heAlth), is to examine the interplay between traditional smoking and the potential effect of switching to alternative tobacco and nicotine products (ATNPs) across culturally diverse European countries - Italy, Spain, Greece, and Turkey. The primary objective of this observational, international, prospective cohort study is to investigate the association between smoking habits and dietary and lifestyle habits among the study participants. The secondary objective pertains to the assessment of subjects' willingness to shift their tobacco consumption patterns from conventional tobacco products to non-conventional alternatives and reciprocally.

Methods:

This prospective, international cohort study will utilize an online questionnaire administered using a snowball sampling technique, which relies on the referrals and network connections of the initial participants. Responders who express a willingness to participate in the study cohort will be recontacted at least bi-annually to ensure continuity in their participation, and they will be asked to complete the same questionnaire during these follow-up assessments. This approach allows to gather useful information over an extended period and assess any changes or trends in the data that may emerge over time. Using social media for data collection, the research explores real-time attitudes and experiences related to smoking, with a particular focus on participants' receptiveness to transitioning to non-conventional tobacco products.

Results:

The anticipated sample size for this study is 9,171, based on a feasibility analysis that considered various power and sample size scenarios. We expect to capture diverse perspectives across demographic groups, informing future interventions regarding ATNPs and smoking cessation.

Conclusions:

The MINERVA study underscores the importance of ongoing research to inform evidence-based policies and interventions, emphasizing the role of social media surveys in capturing diverse perspectives and facilitating longitudinal studies for a deeper understanding of the health implications of transitioning from traditional smoking to ATNPs. Clinical Trial: Not applicable.