Understanding Nitrous Oxide Misuse Among Young Adults: Developing a Community-Engaged Pilot Study

Academic Partner | Rachel Hoopsick
Community Partner | Champaign-Urbana Public Health District

Project Description
Nitrous oxide misuse is an emerging public health concern among young adults, yet little is known about how young people understand its risks, legality, and social acceptability or how those perceptions are shaped by retail and informational environments. This project will lay the groundwork for a pilot study examining nitrous oxide misuse among young adults in Champaign-Urbana through two planned components: an anonymous survey of University of Illinois students and a structured assessment of local smoke shops that sell nitrous oxide products. In partnership with Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, the project will focus on developing the study design and data collection tools needed to generate pilot data that can inform future prevention, education, and research efforts.

Role of the Scholar
The Community-Academic Scholar will contribute to the preliminary stages of the study by working with the PI and CUPHD to refine the study design and develop data collection instruments for both the student survey and retail environment assessment. The scholar will also assist with preparing materials for IRB submission, supporting the development of recruitment and study procedures, and helping ensure that the project is responsive to community and public health priorities. Through this work, the scholar will gain experience in community-engaged research, study development, and the early phases of public health research implementation.