Effects of in vivo NRT sampling on smoking abstinence and NRT adherence: A randomized clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is an effective treatment but is associated with poor adherence during smoking cessation attempts. This study aimed to determine if In Vivo Sampling, an experiential intervention that includes sampling of NRT in-session, increases NRT adherence and smoking abstinence compared to standard smoking cessation behavioral counseling. METHODS: Eligible participants were under community corrections supervision and smoked five or more cigarettes per day for the past year. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either In Vivo Sampling or standard smoking cessation behavioral counseling. Both interventions involved four 30-minute sessions and received 12 weeks of combination NRT. Self-reported NRT adherence, quit attempts, and carbon monoxide (CO)-verified smoking cessation were measured at one, three-, and six-months post-intervention. RESULTS: From 2017-2022, 515 participants were enrolled and randomized. The In Vivo Sampling group had significantly greater mean adherence to patch and lozenge NRT regimens (71 % vs. 60 %, OR: 1.63, 95 % CI: 1.36-1.96, p<.001). The In Vivo group had a significantly higher likelihood of quit attempts across time (61 % vs. 53 %, OR: 1.4, 95 % CI: 1.05-1.87, p=.021). Groups did not significantly differ on the percent of participants who had quit smoking at 6 months post-intervention (17 % In Vivo Sampling vs. 13 % standard counseling, OR: 1.43, p=.24). CONCLUSION: In Vivo Sampling demonstrated better NRT adherence and quit attempts but similar cessation rates to standard behavioral counseling. The In Vivo Sampling intervention represents a novel approach that increased behaviors typically associated with successful cessation over standard behavioral counseling.

Effectiveness of mobile smoking cessation treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy sampling at outdoor smoking hotspots: A cluster randomized controlled trial.

AIMS: To evaluate the effectiveness of mobile smoking cessation (SC) treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) sampling on recruitment and quitting outcomes. DESIGN: Two-arm cluster RCT (1:1 ratio), single-blinded, at 244 recruitment sessions in Hong Kong outdoor smoking hotspots from October 2018-December 2019. SETTING: Participant were recruited by ambassadors and treated at the mobile SC truck. PARTICIPANTS: 834 adult (≥18 years, male 81.3%) daily smokers, Chinese-speaking, non-NRT users in the past month, consented after nurse-led intervention in mobile SC truck were randomized to the experimental (n = 482 male 79.5%) and the control group (n = 352, male 83.8%). INTERVENTION AND COMPARATOR: The experimental group received a 1-week free NRT sample, an NRT instruction card, and mobile SC treatment including onsite nurse-led brief medication advice (about 15 minutes) and referral to SC clinics. The control group received the same mobile SC treatment. MEASUREMENTS: Primary outcome was self-reported quit attempts at 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes included SC service use at 1 month, and biochemically validated abstinence (exhaled carbon monoxide < 4 ppm; or saliva cotinine < 10 ng/ml) at 6-month follow-up. Additionally, a post-hoc cost analysis was conducted. FINDINGS: By intention-to-treat, the two groups showed similar prevalence of quit attempts (44·4% versus 43·5%, risk ratio (RR) = 1·04, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0·79-1·37, P = 0·79). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed lower SC service use at clinics (32·4% versus 44·9%, RR = 0·72, 95%CI = 0·57-0·91, P = 0·006), but no significant difference in validated abstinence (4·6% versus 2·8%, RR = 1·64, 95%CI = 0·76-3·50, P = 0·21). The experimental recruitment sessions recruited more smokers for onsite medication advice than the control session (mean 6·7 vs 5·0, adjusted incident rate ratio = 1·30, 95%CI = 1·08-1·56, P = 0·005). CONCLUSIONS: Mobile smoking cessation treatment with 1-week nicotine replacement therapy sampling did not increase quit attempts or abstinence outcomes among recruited daily smokers in Hong Kong. The intervention increased smokers' uptake of onsite medication advice but reduced subsequent smoking cessation service use at clinics.

Theoretically framing views of people who smoke in understanding what might work to support smoking cessation in coastal communities: adapting the TIDieR checklist to qualitative analysis for complex intervention development.

INTRODUCTION: People living in coastal communities have some of the worst health outcomes in the UK, driven in part by high smoking rates. Deprived coastal communities include socially disadvantaged groups that struggle to access traditional stop smoking services. The study aimed to seek the views of people who smoke living in coastal communities, to assess the optimal smoking cessation intervention for this population. In addition, the Template for Intervention Description Replication (TIDieR) checklist was adapted as an analytical framework for qualitative data to inform intervention design. METHODS: Current or recent ex-smokers (n = 25) were recruited to participate in qualitative interviews from a range of community locations in a deprived English seaside town. A thematic analysis of the interview data was undertaken adapting the TIDieR framework. This analysis was triangulated with relevant literature and notes from stakeholder meetings and observations to map onto the TIDieR checklist to describe the optimal intervention. RESULTS: Barriers to quitting smoking in the target population included low motivation to quit, high anxiety/boredom, normalisation of smoking and widespread illicit tobacco use. There was broad support for combining behavioural support, e-cigarettes and financial incentives, with a strong preference for the intervention to be delivered opportunistically and locally within (non-healthcare) community settings, in a non-pressurising manner, ideally by a community worker specially trained to give stop smoking support. CONCLUSIONS: An intensive community-based smoking cessation intervention was acceptable to the target population. Adapting the TIDieR checklist as a deductive qualitative analytical framework offered a systematic approach to intervention development. Combined with other intervention development activities, this ensured that the intervention design process was transparent and the proposed intervention was well defined. It is recommended that prior to intervention development researchers speak to members of the target population who may give valuable insight into the optimal intervention.

Sales of tobacco and nicotine replacement therapy products, especially nicotine pouches, increased in Finland during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Aim: Some previous studies suggest that the consumption of tobacco and nicotine products overall declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, but the results are mixed. We investigated tobacco and nicotine product sales in Finland, including the sales of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). Our particular focus was on nicotine pouches used as NRT. We aimed to evaluate the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the sales of tobacco and NRT products in 2020 by comparing the sales to the previous year. Methods: The data were derived from a large sales group (S group) in Finland, representing 46% of the market share in grocery trade in 2020. The gross weekly sales of tobacco (cigarettes, loose tobacco) and NRT (patches, inhalers, tablets, gum and "other", consisting mainly of nicotine pouches) were retrieved from February to December 2020 from 1062 points of sale throughout the country and compared to the same period in 2019. Results: During this period, there was a significant increase in cigarette sales. Moreover, the sales of NRT were significantly higher throughout 2020 compared with 2019. Specifically, the sales of nicotine pouches sold as NRT increased, especially after the travel restrictions in Finland were initiated and the national boundaries closed in the spring of 2020. Conclusions: During the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland, the sales of cigarettes and NRT products increased, especially those of nicotine pouches sold as NRT. Our findings call for further research to reveal the factors leading to this increase and to determine whether the situation is long-standing.

Sex-specific predictive factors of smoking cessation in subjects at high cardiovascular risk.

Smoking is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases (CVD), in particular in women, but smoking cessation (SC) reduces or even cancels the risk for both sexes. Using a nationwide SC services database, we aimed to determine the predictive factors of SC in men and women smokers with CV risk factors (CVRF) or CVD. A retrospective study from the French CDTnet database was conducted. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18years, and≥1 CVRF (Body Mass Index ≥25kg/m2, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia) or CVD (myocardial infarction (MI) or angina pectoris, stroke, peripheral arterial disease [PAD]). Self-reported smoking abstinence (≥28 consecutive days) was confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide<10ppm. Logistic regression analysis assessed the association between SC and sociodemographic, medical characteristics, and smoking profile. Among the 36,864 smokers at high CV risk, abstinence rate was slightly lower in women than in men, (52.6% [n=8,102] vs 55.0% [n=11,848], P<0.001). For both sexes, factors associated with the lowest abstinence rates were diabetes, respiratory and psychiatric diseases, anxiolytic/antidepressant use, and cannabis consumption. In women, the factors associated with smoking abstinence were suffering from MI or angina and taking contraceptive pill and the factors associated with persistent smoking were alcohol disorder and high cigarette consumption. In men, there was a positive relationship between overweight and abstinence while being dual users of cigarettes and electronic cigarettes at first visit, having tobacco-related diseases (cancer and PAD) and taking opioid substitution treatment were associated with persistent smoking. Finally, in both sexes, the factors associated with abstinence were: age≥65years, having a diploma, being employed, self-referred or encouraged by entourage, ≥1 previous quit attempt, ≤20 cigarettes per day consumption, benefiting from SC medication prescription and ≥4 follow-up visits. In conclusion, our results suggest the relevance of SC intensive management in smokers at high CV risk, based on sociodemographic, medical, and smoking behaviour characteristics, as well as a gender-specific SC approach.

A National Dental Practice-Based Research Network phase II, cluster-randomized clinical trial assessing nicotine replacement therapy sampling in dental settings: study protocol for the Free Samples for Health (FreSH) study.

BACKGROUND: Cigarette smoking has major detrimental effects on oral health. Tobacco interventions in dental settings are effective, but rarely delivered. The American Dental Hygienists Association recommends that oral health providers: Ask patients about tobacco use, Advise quitting tobacco use, and Refer to state quitlines (Ask-Advise-Refer; AAR). While AAR connects patients to counseling, it does not directly connect patients to medication. Nicotine replacement therapy sampling (NRTS) is an empirically supported intervention to provide starter packs of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to people who smoke. NRTS combined with AAR could be an effective tobacco treatment intervention for dental settings. METHODS: This manuscript describes the study protocol for the Free Samples for Health (FreSH) study, a group randomized clinical trial testing the effectiveness of NRTS + AAR vs. AAR alone on long-term smoking abstinence. Fifty dental practices in the Midwest and Northeast nodes of the National Dental Practice-Based Research Network are randomly assigned to provide AAR and either a 2-week supply of 14-mg nicotine patches and 4-mg nicotine lozenges (NRTS condition) or an electric toothbrush (ET condition). Approximately 1,200 patients who currently smoke-regardless of interest in quitting- are recruited during dental visits. Participants complete a baseline survey in-person, then after visit, 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-up surveys remotely. The primary outcome is carbon monoxide-confirmed 7-day point prevalence abstinence from combustible tobacco measured at 6 months post-enrollment. Secondary outcomes include: 24-h intentional quit attempts, change in cigarettes smoked per day, NRT utilization, attitudes toward NRT, intention to use NRT, and intention to quit smoking. A key informant process evaluation and cost effectiveness analysis will provide information for future implementation of NRTS. DISCUSSION: This is the first clinical trial to assess the effectiveness of NRTS on promoting smoking cessation in dental settings. If effective, this treatment could be implemented to increase the provision of smoking cessation interventions in dental settings to provide an additional treatment access point for people who smoke. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered at ClincalTrials.gov (NCT05627596) on 11/25/2022.

Decídetexto: Mobile Cessation Support for Latino Adults Who Smoke: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

BACKGROUND: Latino adults experience multiple barriers to health care access and treatment that result in tobacco-related disparities. Mobile interventions have the potential to deliver smoking cessation treatment among Latino adults, who show the highest use rates of mobile technologies. RESEARCH QUESTION: Is Decídetexto, a culturally accommodated mobile health intervention, more effective for smoking cessation compared with standard care among Latinx adults who smoke? STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: A two-arm parallel group randomized clinical trial was conducted in Kansas, New Jersey, and New York between October 2018 and September 2021. Eligible Latino adults who smoke (n = 457) were randomly assigned to Decídetexto or a standard care group. The primary outcome was biochemically verified 7-day smoking abstinence at week 24. Secondary outcomes included self-reported 7-day smoking abstinence at weeks 12 and 24 and uptake and adherence of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). RESULTS: Participants' mean age was 48.7 (SD, 11.1) years, 45.2% were female, and 50.3% smoked ≥ 10 cigarettes per day. Two hundred twenty-nine participants were assigned to Decídetexto and 228 to standard care. Treating those lost to follow-up as participants who continued smoking, 14.4% of participants in the Decídetexto group were biochemically verified abstinent at week 24 compared with 9.2% in the standard care group (OR, 1.66; 95% CI, 0.93-2.97; P = .09). Treating those lost to follow-up as participants who continued smoking, 34.1% of the participants in the Decídetexto group self-reported smoking abstinence at week 24 compared with 20.6% of participants in the standard care group (OR, 1.99; 95% CI, 1.31-3.03; P < .001). Analyzing only participants who completed the assessment at week 24, 90.6% (174/192) of participants in the Decídetexto group self-reported using NRT for at least 1 day compared with 70.2% (139/198) of participants in standard care (OR, 4.10; 95% CI, 2.31-7.28; P < .01). INTERPRETATION: Among Latino adults who smoke, the Decídetexto intervention was not associated with a statistically significant increase in biochemically verified abstinence at week 24. However, the Decídetexto intervention was associated with a statistically significant increase in self-reported 7-day smoking abstinence at weeks 12 and 24 and uptake of NRT. This randomized clinical trial provides encouragement for the use of Decídetexto for smoking cessation among Latino adults. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03586596.

Evaluating the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy in critically ill smokers: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in critically ill patients remains uncertain, as conflicting research results have been reported. Despite potential side effects and inconsistent data on safety and efficacy, NRT is still prescribed in intensive care units (ICUs) to prevent withdrawal symptoms and manage agitation in patients who are smokers. This meta-analysis aimed to assess the effectiveness of nicotine replacement therapy in critically ill smoking patients. METHODS: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials investigated the outcomes of smokers admitted to ICUs and were randomized either to receive or not receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during their ICU stay. The MEDLINE and Embase databases were searched from inception through 13 February 2023 using OVID. The primary outcome was ICU length of stay (LOS) for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Meta-analysis was conducted using both random-effects and fixed-effect models; the latter is recommended when meta-analysis is restricted to just a few studies. The study was registered in the Prospective International Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) under reference number CRD42023407804. RESULTS: Of 28 studies initially identified, three, with 67 patients on NRT and 72 controls, were deemed eligible for pooled analysis. Patients who received NRT experienced a shorter LOS (mean difference, MD= -3.06; 95% CI: -5.88 - -0.25, p=0.0, I2=0%). The mechanical ventilation (MV) duration was also shorter in the NRT group, but this difference was not statistically significant (MD= -1.24; 95% CI: -3.21-0.72, p=0.22, I2=12.69%). Delirium duration was reported by two studies, from which pooled analysis revealed an MD of -0.50 (95% CI: -1.63-0.62, I2=0%). The vasopressor duration was assessed in two studies, and the overall MD for vasopressor duration was not statistically different between NRT patients and controls in the fixed-effects model (MD=0.11; 95% CI: -0.75-0.96, I2=0%). CONCLUSIONS: Critically ill smoker patients who received NRT experienced a significantly shorter ICU LOS but no significant differences in the durations of MV, vasopressor use, or delirium.

Protecting effects of smoking against COVID-19: a community-based retrospective cohort study in middle- and older-aged adults.

On December 7, 2022, China switched from dynamic zeroing strategy against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) to reopening. A nationwide SARS-CoV-2 epidemic emerged rapidly. The effect of smoking on SARS-CoV-2 infection remains unclear. We aimed to retrospectively investigate the relationship between smoking and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) using a community-based cohort of smokers and non-smokers. We included participants from a pre-pandemic cohort with a prolonged follow-up period. Data on smoking status, body mass index, and history of other diseases were collected from health examination and consultation clinic records. Cox regression analysis was used to identify the relationship between groups and SARS-CoV-2 infection over time. We analysed 218 male patients with varied smoking statuses (46.3% current or ex-smokers; average age 68.63 ± 9.81 years). Two peaks in the epidemic were observed following the December 2022 outbreak. At the end of the second peak, non-smokers, current smokers, and ex-smokers had primary infection rates increase to 88.0%, 65.1%, and 81.0%, respectively, with a significant difference between the groups. Current smoking significantly protected against SARS-CoV-2 infection (HR 0.625, 95% CI 0.402-0.970, p = 0.036). Further analyses showed that the prevalence of pneumonia in the unvaccinated, older, diabetic, and non-smoking groups was significantly higher than that in the other groups (p < 0.05). Our study suggests a potential association between smoking and a reduced risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection and pneumonia. This indicates that nicotine and ACE2 play important roles in preventing COVID-19 and its progression. We suggest smokers use nicotine replacement therapy during hospitalization for COVID-19.

Smoking Cessation Tool Utilization Among Individuals with and Without Cancer Across Smoking Status.

Background: There are many tools to assist with cigarette smoking cessation (e.g., counseling, pharmacotherapy). However, tool use among cancer patients is understudied despite the consequences of continued smoking after a cancer diagnosis.Objectives: Study aims included describing and comparing cessation tool use among individuals with and without cancer who were currently smoking and who quit to determine if there are different preferences among those with cancer.Methods: Participants (N = 203) completed an online survey about demographics, cigarette use, and cessation tool use.Results: Eighty-nine participants reported being diagnosed with cancer (45 quit after diagnosis, 44 currently smoking) and 114 reported not having cancer (57 quit, 57 currently smoking). Individuals with cancer who were smoking used more evidence-based resources than those with cancer who quit (B = 1.86, SE = 0.50, p < 0.0001). Individuals with cancer who were smoking used more total cessation resources than participants without cancer who were smoking (B = 2.00, SE = 0.58, p = 0.001), but there was no difference in use of evidence-based resources between these two groups (p > 0.05). Lastly, individuals with cancer who quit also used more total cessation tools (B = 1.23, SE = 0.41, p = 0.003) and evidence-based tools (B = 1.03, SE = 0.36, p = 0.005) than those without cancer who quit.Conclusions: Individuals with cancer may be using more resources before successfully quitting. Cancer patients may need additional help to quit smoking, and further research is needed to better understand unique barriers that preclude quitting among this vulnerable population.

Feasibility and Preliminary Effects of a Social Media-Based Peer-Group Mobile Messaging Smoking Cessation Intervention Among Chinese Immigrants who Smoke: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Chinese immigrants experience significant disparities in tobacco use. Culturally adapted tobacco treatments targeting this population are sparse and the use is low. The low use of these treatment programs is attributed to their exclusive focus on individuals who are ready to quit and the wide range of barriers that Chinese immigrants face to access these programs. To support Chinese immigrant smokers at all levels of readiness to quit and address their access barriers, we developed the WeChat Quit Coach, a culturally and linguistically appropriate WeChat (Tencent Holdings Limited)-based peer group mobile messaging smoking cessation intervention. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of WeChat Quit Coach. METHODS: We enrolled a total of 60 Chinese immigrant smokers in 2022 in New York City for a pilot randomized controlled trial (RCT) and a single-arm pilot test. The first 40 participants were randomized to either the intervention arm (WeChat Quit Coach) or the control arm (self-help print material) using 1:1 block randomization stratified by sex. WeChat Quit Coach lasted 6 weeks, featuring small peer groups moderated by a coach, daily text messages with text questions, and chat-based instant messaging support from the coach in response to peer questions. The next 20 participants were enrolled in the single-arm pilot test to further assess intervention feasibility and acceptability. All 60 participants were offered a 4-week supply of complimentary nicotine replacement therapy. Surveys were administered at baseline and 6 weeks, with participants in the pilot RCT completing an additional survey at 6 months and biochemical verification of abstinence at both follow-ups. RESULTS: Of 74 individuals screened, 68 (92%) were eligible and 60 (88%) were enrolled. The majority of participants, with a mean age of 42.5 (SD 13.8) years, were male (49/60, 82%) and not ready to quit, with 70% (42/60) in the precontemplation or contemplation stage at the time of enrollment. The pilot RCT had follow-up rates of 98% (39/40) at 6 weeks and 93% (37/40) at 6 months, while the single-arm test achieved 100% follow-up at 6 weeks. On average, participants responded to daily text questions for 25.1 days over the 42-day intervention period and 23% (9/40) used the chat-based instant messaging support. Most participants were satisfied with WeChat Quit Coach (36/39, 92%) and would recommend it to others (32/39, 82%). At 6 months, self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates were 25% (5/20) in the intervention arm and 15% (3/20) in the control arm, with biochemically verified abstinence rates of 25% (5/20) and 5% (1/20), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: WeChat Quit Coach was feasible and well-received by Chinese immigrants who smoke and produced promising effects on abstinence. Large trials are warranted to assess its efficacy in promoting abstinence in this underserved population. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05130788; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05130788.

The efficacy and acceptability of pharmacological monotherapies and e-cigarette on smoking cessation: a systemic review and network meta-analysis.

Background and aims: Several pharmacological interventions, such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), varenicline, and bupropion, have been approved for clinical use of smoking cessation. E-cigarettes (EC) are increasingly explored by many RCTs for their potentiality in smoking cessation. In addition, some RCTs are attempting to explore new drugs for smoking cessation, such as cytisine. This network meta-analysis (NMA) aims to investigate how these drugs and e-cigarettes compare regarding their efficacy and acceptability. Materials and methods: This systematic review and NMA searched all clinical studies on smoking cessation using pharmacological monotherapies or e-cigarettes published from January 2011 to May 2022 using MEDLINE, COCHRANE Library, and PsychINFO databases. NRTs were divided into transdermal (TDN) and oronasal nicotine (ONN) by administrative routes, thus 7 network nodes were set up for direct and indirect comparison. Two different indicators measured the efficacy: prevalent and continuous smoking abstinence. The drop-out rates measured the acceptability. Results: The final 40 clinical studies included in this study comprised 77 study cohorts and 25,889 participants. Varenicline is more effective intervention to assist in smoking cessation during 16-32 weeks follow-up, and is very likely to prompt dropout. Cytisine shows more effectiveness in continuous smoking cessation but may also lead to dropout. E-cigarettes and oronasal nicotine are more effective than no treatment in encouraging prevalent abstinence, but least likely to prompt dropout. Finally, transdermal nicotine delivery is more effective than no treatment in continuous abstinence, with neither significant effect on prevalent abstinence nor dropout rate. Conclusion: This review suggested and agreed that Varenicline, Cytisine and transdermal nicotine delivery, as smoking cessation intervention, have advantages and disadvantages. However, we had to have reservations about e-cigarettes as a way to quit smoking in adolescents.

Treating Tobacco Dependency in National Health Service Workers in Greater Manchester: An Evaluation of a Bespoke Digital Service.

Introduction: Treating tobacco dependency in National Health Service (NHS) workers delivers substantial benefits at an individual, population, and health care system level. We report the outcomes from the Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership's tobacco dependency treatment program for NHS workers which includes 6-months' access to behavioral support and 12 weeks of treatment through a digital application. Methods: Aggregate results for all participants across the program from January 1, 2022, to September 1, 2023, are reported including a deep-dive evaluation of 300 participants recruited to provide chemically validated outcomes. Results: A total of 1567 NHS workers participated in the program within the evaluation period, completing 24,048 sessions with specialist advisors within the application, ordering 18,710 nicotine vape liquids, 6927 nicotine patches, and 297 short-acting nicotine products. Users reported achieving 89,464 smoke-free days, 1,258,069 less cigarettes smoked, and a financial saving of £622,231. The deep-dive evaluation revealed a CO-verified 12-week abstinence rate of 37% (111 of 300). Conclusion: This evaluation provides assurance of clinical effectiveness within a bespoke digital tobacco dependency treatment program for NHS workers across an Integrated Care Partnership.

Opportunistic smoking cessation interventions for people accessing financial support settings: A scoping review.

AIM: The aim of this work was to systematically scope the evidence on opportunistic tobacco smoking cessation interventions for people accessing financial support settings. METHODS: We searched MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group specialized register to 21 March 2023. We duplicate screened 20% of titles/abstracts and all full texts. We included primary studies investigating smoking cessation interventions delivered opportunistically to people who smoked tobacco, within settings offering support for problems caused by financial hardship, for example homeless support services, social housing and food banks. Data were charted by one reviewer, checked by another and narratively synthesized. RESULTS: We included 25 studies conducted in a range of financial support settings using qualitative (e.g. interviews and focus groups) and quantitative (e.g. randomized controlled trials, surveys and single arm intervention studies) methodologies. Evidence on the acceptability and feasibility of opportunistic smoking cessation advice was investigated among both clients and providers. Approximately 90% of service providers supported such interventions; however, lack of resources, staff training and a belief that tobacco smoking reduced illicit substance use were perceived barriers. Clients welcomed being asked about smoking and offered assistance to quit and expressed interest in interventions including the provision of nicotine replacement therapy, e-cigarettes and incentives to quit smoking. Six studies investigated the comparative effectiveness of opportunistic smoking cessation interventions on quitting success, with five comparing more to less intensive interventions, with mixed results. CONCLUSIONS: Most studies investigating opportunistic smoking cessation interventions in financial support settings have not measured their effectiveness. Where they have, settings, populations, interventions and findings have varied. There is more evidence investigating acceptability, with promising results.

Clinical factors associated with smoking cessation among smokers with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease by sex: Longitudinal analyses from French smoking cessation services.

Background: Smoking is responsible for 80 % of cases of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), while the prognosis is improved by smoking cessation (SC). We examined clinical factors associated with SC among smokers with COPD comparing women and men. Methods: The study comprised a cohort of 1470 smokers who visited a SC service and completed at least 28-day of follow-up visits. The outcome was smoking status at follow-up (abstinence, reduction, no change). Abstinence was defined as continuous abstinence for at least 28 days, validated by the measurement of expired Carbon Monoxide. Reduction was defined as a halving of the baseline tobacco consumption. Results: The average age of the population was 53 (±11) years and 58.2 % were women. Men were 2 years younger than women and consulted more likely after a hospital contact, whereas women consulted on their own initiative. Women more often had a depression history, whereas men had medical comorbidities and co-addictions. There was no significant difference by sex regarding the abstinence rate (41.0 % in women vs 40.7 in men, p > 0.9). The factors significantly associated with higher abstinence rates in both sexes were: at least one previous quit attempt and number of follow-up visits ≥4. The factors negatively associated with quitting in women were diabetes, intake of mood stabilizers and consuming more than 10 cigarettes per day while having a chronic bronchitis, taking antidepressants and having consumed cannabis in the last 30 days hampered SC in men. Conclusions: Concerning factors associated with SC, few differences were found between female and male smokers suffering from COPD. However, due to the different medical and smoking behavior characteristics according to sex, it might be important to take these differences into account in order to provide tailored SC management.

A qualitative study of using nicotine products for smoking cessation after discharge from residential drug and alcohol treatment in Australia.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent among alcohol and other drugs (AOD) service clients and, despite interest in quitting, abstinence is rarely sustained. Nicotine products may assist after discharge from residential treatment services, but little is known about client receptivity to them. This study examined AOD withdrawal service clients' experiences of two types of nicotine products for smoking cessation post-discharge, combination nicotine replacement therapy (cNRT) and nicotine vaping products (NVP). METHODS: We held semi-structured telephone interviews with 31 Australian AOD service clients in a clinical trial of a 12-week smoking cessation intervention using Quitline support plus cNRT or NVP delivered post-discharge from a smoke-free residential service. We asked about health and social factors, nicotine cravings, Quitline experience, and barriers and facilitators to cNRT or NVP, then thematically analysed data. RESULTS: cNRT and NVP were described by participants as feasible and acceptable for smoking cessation. For most participants, cost limited cNRT access post study, as did difficulty navigating NVP prescription access. Quitline support was valued, but not consistently used, with participants noting low assistance with NVP-facilitated cessation. Participants considered both cessation methods acceptable and socially supported, and sought information on decreasing nicotine use via NVP. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: AOD service clients highly valued receiving cNRT or NVP with behavioural support for smoking reduction or abstinence. Both interventions were acceptable to service clients. Findings suggest a potential need to examine both whether NVP use should be permitted in this context, and guidance on the individual suitability of cNRT or NVP.

[Tobacco cessation: one of the most effective medical measures]. / Tabakentwöhnung ­ eine der effektivsten medizinischen Maßnahmen.

Tobacco smoking is widespread in Germany. An increase in the number of teenagers and young adults that smoke has recently been a cause for concern. The high prevalence in Germany is contrasted by inadequate preventive measures compared to international standards. Smoking behavior should always be inquired about and documented in the same way as vital signs. All smokers, regardless of the reason for contact and motivation, should receive short, low-threshold advice, e.g. using the ABC approach (ask, brief advice, cessation). In addition to repeated advice and referral to further services, the use of nicotine replacement or drug therapy is essential for the success of quitting. The combination of long- and short-acting nicotine replacement products doubles the success rate. Electronic nicotine delivery systems are not recommended for smoking cessation.

Virtual Assistants' Response to Queries About Nicotine Replacement Therapy: A Mixed-Method Analysis.

This study focused on investigating the potential of Artificial Intelligent-powered Virtual Assistants (VAs) such as Amazon Alexa, Apple Siri, and Google Assistant as tools to help individuals seeking information about Nicotine Replacement Treatment (NRT) for smoking cessation. The researchers asked 40 NRT-related questions to each of the 3 VAs and evaluated the responses for voice recognition. The study used a cross-sectional mixed-method design with a total sample size of 360 responses. Inter-rater reliability and differences between VAs' responses were examined by SAS software, and qualitative assessments were conducted using NVivo software. Google Assistant achieved 100% voice recognition for NRT-related questions, followed by Apple Siri at 97.5%, and Amazon Alexa at 83.3%. Statistically significant differences were found between the responses of Amazon Alexa relative to both Google Assistant and Apple Siri. Researcher 1's ratings significantly differed from Researcher 2's (p = .001), but not from Researcher 3's (p = .11). Virtual Assistants occasionally struggled to understand the context or nuances of questions, lacked in-depth information in their responses, and provided generic or unrelated responses. Virtual Assistants have the potential to be incorporated into smoking cessation interventions and tobacco control initiatives, contingent upon improving their competencies.

Testing the feasibility of the QuitAid smoking cessation intervention in a randomized factorial design in an independent, rural community pharmacy.

BACKGROUND: Adult smoking rates in the USA are highest in economically depressed rural Appalachia. Pharmacist-delivered tobacco cessation support that incorporates medication therapy management (such as the QuitAid intervention) is a promising approach to address this need. METHODS: Twenty-four adult smokers recruited between September and November 2021 through an independent pharmacy in rural Appalachia were randomized in a non-blinded 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design to (1) pharmacist delivered QuitAid intervention (yes vs. no); (2) combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gum + NRT patch (vs. NRT patch); and/or (3) 8 weeks of NRT (vs. standard 4 weeks). Participants received 4 weeks of NRT patch in addition to the components to which they were assigned. Participants completed baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Primary outcomes were feasibility of recruitment and randomization, retention, treatment adherence, and fidelity. RESULTS: Participants were recruited in 7 weeks primarily through a referral process, commonly referred to as ask-advise-connect (61%). Participants were on average 52.4 years old, 29.2% were male and the majority were white (91.6%) and Non-Hispanic (91.7%). There was a high level of adherence to the interventions, with 85% of QuitAid sessions completed, 83.3% of the patch used, and 54.5% of gum used. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the program, and there was a high level of retention (92%). CONCLUSIONS: This demonstration pilot randomized controlled study indicates that an ask-advise-connect model for connecting rural smokers to smoking cessation support and providing QuitAid for smoking cessation is feasible and acceptable among rural Appalachian smokers and independent pharmacists. Further investigation into the efficacy of a pharmacist-delivered approach for smoking cessation is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial #: NCT05649241.

Evaluating the implementation of a prescription only regulatory model for nicotine vaping products: A qualitative study on the experiences and views of healthcare professionals.

BACKGROUND: Deciding how to regulate nicotine vaping products (NVPs) is a challenge for many countries. Balanced regulation should consider the potential harms to young people from uptake of NVPs alongside the possible benefits of NVPs as a smoking cessation aid. One option is to make NVPs only available via medical prescription to adults who smoke. From October 2021, Australia adopted a unique model that allows prescription access to NVPs that meet a product standard without requiring the NVPs to be approved as therapeutic goods. This research explored the impact of this regulatory model on the smoking cessation practices of health professionals, and their views on the model. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 39 Australian health professionals recruited from professional networks and social media. Health professionals were eligible if they provided smoking cessation advice as part of their role, and included medical practitioners (n = 9), pharmacists (n = 9), and other health professionals that provided smoking cessation counselling (n = 21). Interviews were mostly completed by phone and online teleconferencing software. Questions focused on smoking cessation practices, advice and information provided to patients about NVPs, views about the effectiveness of the model for supporting use of NVPs for smoking cessation and preventing youth uptake, and barriers and facilitators to prescribing and dispensing NVPs. Coding and analysis used a combination of inductive and deductive approaches. RESULTS: Findings indicated a lack of consensus amongst the participants about NVPs as a cessation or harm reduction tool. Participants broadly agreed that the model has not been effective in improving quality control of NVPs, or in reducing youth access. Many participants eligible to prescribe or dispense NVPs felt that the current regulatory model placed an undue time and responsibility burden on clinicians. CONCLUSION: Our research identified several limitations associated with the current Australian prescription-only regulatory model. These were perceived by healthcare professionals to limit the potential for the regulations to reduce youth use and to increase access to safer NVP products for people who smoke to use for smoking cessation.