In This Story
Health Administration and Policy Associate Professor Hong Xue is developing an innovative, artificial intelligence (AI)-powered intervention to help reduce electronic cigarette (EC) use among Virginia youth. The project titled "Innovating and Implementing Youth Tobacco Prevention in Virginia" is funded in part by a $450,000 grant from the Virginia Foundation for Healthy Youth (VFHY). This project aims to address the alarming increase in EC use among adolescents. According to the VFHY, the prevalence of current EC use among middle school students rose from 0.6% in 2011 to 4.6% in 2023, and among high school students, it increased from 1.5% in 2011 to 10% in 2023, highlighting the urgent need for effective prevention strategies.
“Our AI-driven EC cessation intervention will revolutionize current cessation strategies, making them more personalized, timely, and effective,” said Xue, the principal investigator. The project will also evaluate existing youth EC cessation programs in the U.S., providing valuable insights for future policy and intervention strategies.
Xue’s project seeks to address this need by developing innovative interventions powered by AI and augmented reality (AR) which will provide an immersive and interactive experience to promote user engagement. This project aligns with Xue’s well-established research in tobacco use prevention and control, reinforcing his role as a leader in public health innovation.
The VFHY grant not only supports the development of cutting-edge interventions but also sets the stage for future research and policy initiatives aimed at tackling youth tobacco use in Virginia and beyond. Xue’s work exemplifies George Mason University’s commitment to advancing public health through innovative research and technology.