Kolawole S. Okuyemi, M.D., M.P.H., a candidate for the Cancer Prevention, Control and Population Sciences Career Development Award (K07), is an academic family physician with a strong professional interest in Cancer Prevention and Control. Dr. Okuyemi's research is focused on tobacco control among medically underserved populations, particularly African Americans (AAs). He will use the K07 to acquire new skills in cancer epidemiology, advanced biostatistics, bioethics, and nicotine addiction treatment research in order to launch a successful independent research career in tobacco control. This application details the training and research experience that Dr. Okuyemi will need over the next 5 years to develop and launch a fully independent investigative career in tobacco control among underserved and minority populations. Career Development: Activities will include training in advanced biostatistics, cancer epidemiology, bioethics, and nicotine addiction treatment research. Research Program: The goal of the research program is to better understand light smoking (equal to or<10cigarettes per day) among AAs, and to identify acceptable and potentially effective smoking cessation methods for them. Dr. Okuyemi will implement the research program by conducting three studies that address four research questions. Study 1 is a survey to examine smoking behaviors and nicotine dependence among 500 AA smokers. Dr. Okuyemi will compare the differences between very light smokers (1-5cpd), moderate light smokers (6-10cpd), and heavy smokers (equal to or >20cpd). The goal of study 1 is to assess factors associated with light smoking in Aas. In study 2, one group of 20 AA very light smokers and one group of 20 AA moderate light smokers will be matched to a group of 20 AA heavy smokers and withdrawal symptoms will be assessed during smoking ad lib and imposed abstinence states using palmtop computers. The purpose of this study is to assess the withdrawal symptoms at various levels of cigarette consumption, and compare the differences in withdrawal symptoms during smoking and abstinence states in the three groups. Study 3 is a pilot study to assess the potential effects of the nicotine inhaler for smoking cessation in AA light smokers. Fifty AA light smokers will be assigned to either a """"""""low withdrawal"""""""" or a """"""""high withdrawal"""""""" group based on withdrawal symptoms experienced after three days of abstinence from smoking. Both groups will receive six weeks of nicotine inhaler treatment. Primary outcomes include biochemically verified quit rates and average daily cigarette consumption. Results may justify a full-scale randomized controlled trial. Dr. Okuyemi's research plan uses descriptive, exploratory, and intervention research to address light smoking among AAs. Each study stands on its own, but is linked to the prior study. The research may provide crucial information to advance our understanding of smoking and set the stage for further research in this understudied population of AA cigarette smokers.
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