"It's a big conversation": Views of service personnel on systemic barriers to preventing smoking relapse among pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women - A qualitative study.

BACKGROUND: Providing smoking cessation care has not successfully prevented women who quit smoking during pregnancy from relapsing due to multi-level barriers. AIM: This paper explores systemic barriers to providing smoking cessation care, focusing on relapse prevention among pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (hereafter Aboriginal). METHODS: Twenty-six interviews were conducted between October 2020 and July 2021 with health professionals, health promotion workers and managers working in Aboriginal smoking cessation across six Australian states and territories. Data were thematically analysed. FINDINGS: Themes emerging from the data included: (a) limited time, competing priorities and shortage of health professionals; (b) a need for more knowledge and skills for health professionals; (c) influences of funding allocations and models of smoking cessation care; (d) lack of relevance of anti-tobacco messages to pregnancy and postpartum relapse; and (e) ways forward. Several barriers emerged from policies influencing access to resources and approaches to smoking cessation care for Aboriginal women. Individual-level maternal smoking cessation care provision was often under-resourced and time-constrained to adequately meet Aboriginal women's needs. Identified needs for health professionals included more time, knowledge and skills, better cultural awareness for non-Indigenous health professionals, and salient anti-tobacco messages for pregnant women related to long-term cessation. CONCLUSION: To drive smoking cessation in pregnant and postpartum Aboriginal women, we recommend adequately reimbursing midwives and Aboriginal Health Workers/Professionals to allow them to provide intensive support, build confidence in Quitline, continue health professionals' capacity-building and allocate consistent funding to initiatives that have been efficacious with Aboriginal women.

Five-Year Mortality Outcomes for Eating As Treatment (EAT), a Health Behavior Change Intervention to Improve Nutrition in Patients With Head and Neck Cancer: A Stepped-Wedge, Randomized Controlled Trial.

PURPOSE: Malnutrition affects up to 80% of patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) and is associated with higher burden of disease, poorer treatment outcomes, and greater mortality. The Eating As Treatment (EAT) intervention is a behavioral intervention previously demonstrated to be effective in improving nutritional status, depression, and quality of life in patients with HNC. This article examines the effects of the EAT intervention on 5-year mortality among participants. METHODS AND MATERIALS: A multicenter, stepped-wedge, randomized controlled trial was conducted in 5 Australian hospitals. Dietitians were trained to deliver EAT, a combination of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavior therapy strategies, to patients with HNC receiving radiation therapy. Secondary analyses of survival benefit on an intention-to-treat basis were performed. Differences in proportions of 5-year all-cause mortality between the control and EAT intervention arms were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression, and 5-year survival rates were analyzed using Cox proportional hazards regression. Analyses controlled for temporal effects (study duration), hospital site (clustering), and baseline nutritional status differences. RESULTS: Overall, there were 64 deaths in the 5 years after enrollment, 36 (24%) among those assigned to the control condition and 28 (18%) among those assigned to EAT. Logistic regression showed statistically significant reduced odds in favor of EAT (odds ratio, 0.33; 95% CI, 0.11-0.96), with an absolute risk reduction of 17% (95% CI, 0.01-0.33) and a relative risk reduction of 55% (95% CI, 0.22-0.92), resulting in a number needed to treat of 6 (95% CI, 4-13). Survival analysis revealed that risk of death was significantly reduced by the EAT intervention (hazard ratio, 0.39; 0.16-0.96). CONCLUSIONS: Participation in EAT provided a statistically and clinically meaningful survival benefit, likely via improved nutrition during radiation therapy. This survival benefit strengthens the finding of the main trial, showing that a behavioral intervention focused on nutrition could improve HNC outcomes. Replication studies using stepped-wedge designs for implementation into clinical practice may be warranted.

Situational anxiety in head and neck cancer: Rates, patterns and clinical management interventions in a regional cancer setting.

INTRODUCTION: Research indicates that the immobilisation mask required for radiation therapy (RT) for head and neck cancers can provoke intense anxiety. However, little is known about the rates of this anxiety, whether it changes over a course of treatment and how it is managed in clinical practice. This study aimed to describe the rates and patterns of situational anxiety in patients undergoing RT for head and neck cancer and the use of anxiety management interventions in current clinical practice in a major regional cancer setting in New South Wales, Australia. METHODS: Situational anxiety rates and patterns were assessed at five time points using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory prior to treatment planning (SIM), the first three treatment sessions (Tx 1, Tx 2 and Tx 3) and treatment 20 (Tx 20). Sessions were observed to record the use of general supportive interventions (music and support person) and anxiety-specific interventions (break from the mask, relaxation techniques and anxiolytic medication). Sociodemographic and clinical information was extracted from the medical record. RESULTS: One hundred and one patients were recruited. One-third had clinically significant anxiety at any of the first three time points (33.3-40%), and a quarter at Tx 3 (26.4%) and Tx 20 (23.4%). Of the sample, 55.4% had available data for categorisation into one of four pattern groups: 'No Anxiety' (46.4%); 'Decreasing Anxiety' (35.7%); 'Increasing Anxiety' (7.1%); and 'Stable High Anxiety' (10.7%). Most participants had social support present at SIM (53.5%) and listened to music during treatment (86.7-92.9%). Few participants received relaxation techniques alone (1.2-2.3%). Anxiolytic medication was provided for 10% of patients at some stage during the treatment journey and 5% required a break from the mask at SIM, with frequency decreasing throughout the treatment course. CONCLUSIONS: In this regional cancer setting, situational anxiety was common, but generally decreased throughout treatment. Some patients experience persistent or increasing anxiety, with up to 10% of patients receiving specific anxiety management interventions.

'Quitlink': Outcomes of a randomised controlled trial of peer researcher facilitated referral to a tailored quitline tobacco treatment for people receiving mental health services.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test the effectiveness of a tailored quitline tobacco treatment ('Quitlink') among people receiving support for mental health conditions. METHODS: We employed a prospective, cluster-randomised, open, blinded endpoint design to compare a control condition to our 'Quitlink' intervention. Both conditions received a brief intervention delivered by a peer researcher. Control participants received no further intervention. Quitlink participants were referred to a tailored 8-week quitline intervention delivered by dedicated Quitline counsellors plus combination nicotine replacement therapy. The primary outcome was self-reported 6 months continuous abstinence from end of treatment (8 months from baseline). Secondary outcomes included additional smoking outcomes, mental health symptoms, substance use and quality of life. A within-trial economic evaluation was conducted. RESULTS: In total, 110 participants were recruited over 26 months and 91 had confirmed outcomes at 8 months post baseline. There was a difference in self-reported prolonged abstinence at 8-month follow-up between Quitlink (16%, n = 6) and control (2%, n = 1) conditions, which was not statistically significant (OR = 8.33 [0.52, 132.09] p = 0.131 available case). There was a significant difference in favour of the Quitlink condition on 7-day point prevalence at 2 months (OR = 8.06 [1.27, 51.00] p = 0.027 available case). Quitlink costs AU$9231 per additional quit achieved. CONCLUSION: The Quitlink intervention did not result in significantly higher rates of prolonged abstinence at 8 months post baseline. However, engagement rates and satisfaction with the 'Quitlink' intervention were high. While underpowered, the Quitlink intervention shows promise. A powered trial to determine its effectiveness for improving long-term cessation is warranted.

Health risk factors in Australian Stroke Survivors: A latent class analysis.

ISSUES ADDRESSED: To (i) determine the prevalence of health risk factors (physical activity, diet, alcohol, smoking, blood pressure medication use and mental health) in community-dwelling stroke survivors; and (ii) examine how these health risk factors cluster, and identify associations with physical functioning, independent living, or sociodemographic factors. METHODS: A secondary analysis of data obtained during a national randomised controlled trial. Participants had experienced stroke and completed a baseline telephone survey on demographic and stroke characteristics, health risk factors, physical functioning and independence in activities of daily living. A latent class analysis was performed to determine health risk profiles. Univariate logistic regressions were performed to identify if participant characteristics were associated with resulting classes. RESULTS: Data analysed from 399 participants. Two classes of health risk factors were identified: Low Mood, Food & Moves Risk (16% of participants) and Alcohol Use Risk (84% of participants). The Low Mood, Food & Moves Risk group had poorer diet quality, lower physical activity levels and higher levels of depression and anxiety. Lower levels of independence and physical functioning were predictor variables for this group. In contrast, the Alcohol Use Risk group had better physical activity and diet scores, significantly lower probability of depression and anxiety, but a higher probability of risky drinking. CONCLUSIONS: We identified two distinct health risk factor groups in our population. SO WHAT?: Future interventions may benefit from targeting the specific needs and requirements of people who have experienced stroke based on their distinct risk group. Alcohol consumption in poststroke populations requires further attention.

Outback Quit Pack: Feasibility trial of outreach smoking cessation for people in rural, regional, and remote Australia.

BACKGROUND: Tobacco smoking rates are higher in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas in Australia, and strategies to improve access to quit supports are required. This pilot study examined the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention for people in RRR areas who smoke with the intention of using this data to design a powered effectiveness trial. METHODS: A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of the feasibility of a 12-week 'Outback Quit Pack' intervention consisting of mailout combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and a proactive referral to Quitline, compared with a minimal support control (1-page smoking cessation support information mailout) was conducted between January and October 2021. Participants recruited via mailed invitation or Facebook advertising, were adults who smoked tobacco (≥10 cigarettes/day) and resided in RRR areas of New South Wales, Australia. Participants completed baseline and 12-week follow-up telephone surveys. Outcomes were feasibility of trial procedures (recruitment method; retention; biochemical verification) and acceptability of intervention (engagement with Quitline; uptake and use of NRT). RESULTS: Facebook advertising accounted for 97% of participant expressions of interest in the study (N = 100). Retention was similarly high among intervention (39/51) and control (36/49) participants. The intervention was highly acceptable: 80% of the intervention group had ≥1 completed call with Quitline, whilst Quitline made 3.7 outbound calls/participant (mean 14:05 mins duration). Most of the intervention group requested NRT refills (78%). No differences between groups in self-reported cessation outcomes. Biochemical verification using expired air breath testing was not feasible in this study. CONCLUSION: The Outback Quit Pack intervention was feasible and acceptable. Alternative methods for remote biochemical verification need further study. SO WHAT?: A powered RCT to test the effectiveness of the intervention to improve access to evidence-based smoking cessation support to people residing in RRR areas is warranted.

A systematic review of nonpharmacological interventions to reduce procedural anxiety among patients undergoing radiation therapy for cancer.

Procedural anxiety is a concern for a number of patients undergoing radiation therapy. While procedural anxiety is often treated pharmacologically, there is a clinical need for effective alternative strategies for patients who are contraindicated from medication use, and those who prefer not to take unnecessary medications. OBJECTIVES: The primary objective was to assess the efficacy of nonpharmacological interventions delivered to adults with cancer, in the radiation oncology department, just prior to, or during radiation therapy, in reducing levels of self-reported procedural anxiety. The secondary objectives were to assess the efficacy of these interventions in reducing physiological symptoms of procedural anxiety and anxiety-related treatment disruptions. DESIGN: Systematic review. DATA SOURCES: Electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials) were searched from inception up until February 2022. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Population: Adult patients with cancer undergoing external beam radiation therapy. INTERVENTION: Nonpharmacological interventions delivered within the radiation therapy department. Comparison: standard care controls, or standard care plus an alternative intervention. OUTCOMES: level of self-reported procedural anxiety (primary), physiological symptoms of anxiety (secondary) and measures of anxiety-related treatment disruptions (secondary). DATA EXTRACTION AND ANALYSIS: Two reviewers independently extracted data. A meta-analysis was originally planned but deemed not feasible as the studies could not be confidently pooled for meta-analysis, due to the variability in the interventions, study designs and the generally low number of studies. Therefore, a narrative synthesis is presented. RESULTS: Screening of 2363 records identified nine studies that met inclusion criteria: six studies of music interventions, two of video-based patient education and one of aromatherapy. Overall, three studies received a global rating of strong methodological quality and low risk of bias. Three studies reported a significant effect of the intervention on reducing the primary outcome of self-reported procedural anxiety: two music interventions (both strong methodological quality), and one video-based patient education (moderate methodological quality). One of the studies (a music intervention) also reported a significant reduction in the secondary outcome of physiological symptoms of procedural anxiety (systolic blood pressure). CONCLUSIONS: The evidence for nonpharmacological interventions delivered to adults with cancer just prior to, or during radiation therapy, in reducing levels of self-reported procedural anxiety is limited, with very few well-designed studies. There is a need for interventions for procedural anxiety during radiation therapy to be evaluated through rigorous randomised controlled trials.

Tobacco treatment incorporating contingency management, nicotine replacement therapy, and behavioral counseling for pregnant women who use substances: a feasibility trial.

Introduction: Most pregnant women with substance use problems smoke, and few will quit during their pregnancy. Tobacco treatment is often overlooked, with the focus usually placed on other substance use. Additionally, few targeted effective treatments for this group exist. To address this, the feasibility of an intensive tobacco treatment incorporating contingency management (CM) that featured non-face-to-face delivery was examined. Methods: A single-arm pre-post design feasibility trial was conducted in three antenatal services that support women who use substances in metropolitan Australia. Participants were over the age of 15, had <33-week gestation, and smoked tobacco daily. They received financial incentives for daily carbon monoxide-verified smoking abstinence or reduction through an internet-based CM programme, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) posted to women and partners or household members who smoked and telephone-delivered behavioral counseling from study enrolment to birth. Results: Of the 101 referrals, 46 women (46%) consented. The mean (SD) age was 31(±6) years, and the gestation period was 22(±6) weeks. Nineteen (41%) of those enrolled were retained for 12-week postpartum. Of 46 women, 32 (70%) utilized CM; 32 (70%) used NRT for ≥2 weeks; 23 (50%) attended ≥1 counseling session; and 15 (22%) received NRT for partners/household members. Fifteen (33%) were verified abstinent from tobacco at delivery after a median (IQR) period of abstinence of 65(36-128) days. All non-smokers at birth utilized NRT and financial incentives, and 9/15 (60%) utilized counseling. Four (9%) were abstinent at 12-week postpartum. Median cigarettes smoked/day reduced from baseline to delivery (10(6-20) to 1(0-6) p =< 0.001). Women who quit smoking had more education (72% vs. 33% p =< 0.02), completed more CO samples (median (IQR) 101(59-157) vs. 2(0-20) p =< 0.001), and received more incentives (median (IQR) $909($225-$1980) vs. $34($3-$64) p =< 0.001). Intervention acceptability was rated favorably by participants (9 items rated 0-10 with scores >5 considered favorable). Discussion: This study demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of a consumer-informed, non-face-to-face intensive tobacco treatment, highlighting the potential of remotely delivered technology-based CM to reduce the health impact of tobacco smoking in high-priority populations. The intervention demonstrates scale-up potential. Future studies should extend treatment into the postpartum period, utilizing new technologies to enhance CM delivery and improve counseling provision and partner support. Clinical trial registration: https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=374196, ACTRN1261800056224.

The health of people attending residential treatment for alcohol and other drug use: Prevalence of and risks for major lifestyle diseases.

INTRODUCTION: Cardiovascular disease and cancers are the leading cause of mortality amongst people accessing treatment for alcohol and other drug use. The current study aimed to examine risk factors for chronic disease amongst people attending residential alcohol and other drug treatment services. METHODS: Participants (N = 325) were attending residential alcohol and other drug treatment services across Australia. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease risk scores were calculated using established risk estimation algorithms. Differences in existing health conditions, risk factors for chronic diseases and risk algorithms were calculated for males and females. RESULTS: In addition to alcohol and other drug use (including tobacco use), 95% of the sample had at least one other risk factor for chronic disease. Of participants not already diagnosed, 36% were at a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes and 11% had a high risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The heart age of participants was 11 years older than actual age (Mage = 40.63, Mheart age = 52.41). Males had a higher cardiovascular disease risk than females. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS: A large proportion of people accessing residential alcohol and other drug treatment were at risk of chronic disease. Future research is needed that uses objective indicators of physical health. Such research will help to develop our understanding of prevention and intervention initiatives that could be adopted by treatment providers to improve the physical health of their consumers.

'Having the mask on didn't worry me until they clamped my head down so I wouldn't move': A qualitative study exploring anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer during radiation therapy.

INTRODUCTION: More than 20% of patients undergoing radiation therapy for head and neck cancer report anxiety specifically related to the immobilisation mask, a tight-fighting mask patients are required to wear for the duration of each treatment session. However, limited research has investigated this from the patient perspective. The aim of this study was to better understand patient experiences of mask anxiety during head and neck cancer radiation therapy and to explore patient attitudes toward potential strategies that may reduce mask anxiety during this treatment. METHODS: Five patients with head and neck cancer, who had self-reported mask anxiety during radiation therapy, participated in semi-structured, qualitative interviews exploring their experiences of anxiety and suggestions for reducing anxiety. A codebook thematic analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Six main themes were identified: (1) triggers of anxiety; (2) adjusting to radiation therapy; (3) education about the mask; (4) coping; (5) motivation and (6) improving the patient experience. CONCLUSION: Findings from these interviews provide valuable insight into how and when healthcare providers may be able to assist patients to manage mask anxiety. Recommendations include increased communication from health care providers; delivery of visual information to improve patient preparedness; exposure/opportunities to interact with the masks prior to treatment commencing and increased control of music/soundtrack selection. However, a limitation of this study is the small sample size and further research is warranted.

My quitting stories: A qualitative study exploring Aboriginal women's experiences of smoking cessation and preventing relapse in the context of pregnancy.

BACKGROUND: Most women who give up smoking during pregnancy relapse to smoking postnatally. Evidence on strategies that are helpful in maintaining smoking cessation during and beyond pregnancy is limited. AIM: This paper aims to explore Aboriginal women's experiences of quitting smoking, relapsing, and preventing relapse, focusing on the strategies they applied for attaining and maintaining abstinence and the support they received. METHODS: Qualitative interviews were conducted between October 2020 and June 2021, in urban New South Wales, Australia, with 12 Aboriginal women who either smoked tobacco or quit smoking and had been pregnant in the last five years. Aboriginal Research Assistants recruited participants, participated in data collection and data analysis. Data were thematically analysed. RESULTS: Major themes that emerged from the data include: a) aspiration to be abstinent; b) strong mindset; c) strategies to stay smoke-free; d) supports received; and e) service and policy recommendations. Protecting children from second-hand smoke had salience for the maintenance of abstinence. Having a strong mindset was perceived as a prerequisite to staying smoke-free. Use of multiple coping strategies in combination was frequently expressed. Knowledge about tobacco-related harms, the way nicotine dependence works, and the available support options was empowering and enabled informed decision making and actions around smoking cessation. CONCLUSION: This qualitative study conducted with 12 Aboriginal women revealed that Aboriginal women employ multiple strategies (cognitive, behavioural and social) to quit smoking and stay smoke-free. The strategies warrant further exploration with different Aboriginal communities across Australia and consideration of inclusion in smoking cessation care.

The value of compassionate support to address smoking: A qualitative study with people who experience severe mental illness.

Introduction: People experiencing severe mental illness (SMI) smoke at much higher rates than the general population and require additional support. Engagement with existing evidence-based interventions such as quitlines and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) may be improved by mental health peer worker involvement and tailored support. This paper reports on a qualitative study nested within a peer researcher-facilitated tobacco treatment trial that included brief advice plus, for those in the intervention group, tailored quitline callback counseling and combination NRT. It contextualizes participant life experience and reflection on trial participation and offers insights for future interventions. Methods: Qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted with 29 participants in a randomized controlled trial (intervention group n = 15, control group n = 14) following their 2-month (post-recruitment) follow-up assessments, which marked the end of the "Quitlink" intervention for those in the intervention group. Interviews explored the experience of getting help to address smoking (before and during the trial), perceptions of main trial components including assistance from peer researchers and tailored quitline counseling, the role of NRT, and other support received. A general inductive approach to analysis was applied. Results: We identified four main themes: (1) the long and complex journey of quitting smoking in the context of disrupted lives; (2) factors affecting quitting (desire to quit, psychological and social barriers, and facilitators and reasons for quitting); (3) the perceived benefits of a tailored approach for people with mental ill-health including the invitation to quit and practical resources; and (4) the importance of compassionate delivery of support, beginning with the peer researchers and extended by quitline counselors for intervention participants. Subthemes were identified within each of these overarching main themes. Discussion: The findings underscore the enormity of the challenges that our targeted population face and the considerations needed for providing tobacco treatment to people who experience SMI. The data suggest that a tailored tobacco treatment intervention has the potential to assist people on a journey to quitting, and that compassionate support encapsulating a recovery-oriented approach is highly valued. Clinical trial registration: The Quitlink trial was registered with ANZCTR (www.anzctr.org.au): ACTRN12619000244101 prior to the accrual of the first participant and updated regularly as per registry guidelines.

Using mixed methods to establish tobacco treatment acceptability from the perspective of clients and clinicians of antenatal substance use services.

BACKGROUND: Up to 95% of pregnant women with alcohol and other drug (AOD) problems also smoke tobacco. Challenging psychosocial circumstances and a lack of targeted tobacco interventions contribute to low rates of prenatal abstinence and more effective treatment strategies are required. This study explores smoking in pregnant clients of AOD treatment services from a consumer and healthcare provider perspective to examine characteristics of behaviour change and the acceptability of evidence-based tobacco treatment strategies. Outcomes will support the design and implementation of a comprehensive tobacco intervention. METHODS: A mixed methods triangulated design was used. Thirteen women who smoked and attended antenatal AOD services in New South Wales, Australia, were interviewed and 28 clinicians from the same services were surveyed. Domains including experiences of tobacco smoking in pregnancy, motivators and barriers to cessation and evidence-based strategies to assist cessation during pregnancy were explored. Interviews were analysed using Iterative Categorization, with interpretation guided by Qualitative Description. Online surveys were analysed descriptively. A convergent-parallel mixed methods analysis was performed. RESULTS: Women and clinicians agreed that improving baby's health outcomes was the primary motivation to stop smoking. Negative experiences with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), financial constraints and maternal contraindications restricted its uptake and effectiveness during pregnancy. Both groups agreed that other AOD use, stopping multiple substances concurrently, difficulty coping with stress and the influence of partners who smoke had the biggest impacts on cessation efforts. Clinicians favoured harm-reduction rather than abstinence-based tobacco interventions and women appeared satisfied with reduction efforts. Both views may influence the attainment of prenatal abstinence-based goals. Although previous evidence suggested the contrary, clinicians were willing to encourage simultaneous cessation of tobacco and other substances. Non-judgmental treatment approaches that provide extra support, education and motivation were important for women. Women and clinicians supported use of NRT despite concerns. Financial incentives, counselling, partner support and offering tobacco treatment with antenatal AOD care were considered acceptable treatment options. CONCLUSIONS: NRT, incentives, counselling and partner support could be utilized in a tobacco intervention for pregnant women with substance use concerns. Non-judgmental education, motivation, and provision of NRT including instruction for correct use are important considerations.

Adapting Peer Researcher Facilitated Strategies to Recruit People Receiving Mental Health Services to a Tobacco Treatment Trial.

Introduction: One of the most challenging aspects of conducting intervention trials among people who experience severe mental illness (SMI) and who smoke tobacco, is recruitment. In our parent "QuitLink" randomized controlled trial (RCT), slower than expected peer researcher facilitated recruitment, along with the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, necessitated an adaptive recruitment response. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) describe adaptive peer researcher facilitated recruitment strategies; (ii) explore the effectiveness of these strategies; (iii) investigate whether recruitment strategies reached different subgroups of participants; and (iv) examine the costs and resources required for implementing these strategies. Finally, we offer experience-based lessons in a Peer Researcher Commentary. Methods: People were included in the RCT if they smoked at least 10 cigarettes a day and were accessing mental health support from the project's two partnering mental health organizations in Victoria, Australia. The majority of people accessing these services will have been diagnosed with SMI. Recruitment occurred over 2 years. We began with peer facilitated recruitment strategies delivered face-to-face, then replaced this with direct mail postcards followed by telephone contact. In the final 4 months of the study, we began online recruitment, broadening it to people who smoked and were accessing support or treatment (including from general practitioners) for mental health and/or alcohol or other drug problems, anywhere in the state of Victoria. Differences between recruitment strategies on key participant variables were assessed. We calculated the average cost per enrolee of the different recruitment approaches. Results: Only 109 people were recruited from a target of 382: 29 via face-to-face (March 2019 to April 2020), 66 from postcards (May 2020 to November 2020), and 14 from online (November to December 2020 and January to March 2021) strategies. Reflecting our initial focus on recruiting from supported independent living accommodation facilities, participants recruited face-to-face were significantly more likely to be living in partially or fully supported independent living (n = 29, <0.001), but the samples were otherwise similar. After the initial investment in training and equipping peer researchers, the average cost of recruitment was AU$1,182 per participant-~US$850. Face-to-face recruitment was the most expensive approach and postcard recruitment the least (AU$1,648 and AU$928 per participant). Discussion: Peer researcher facilitated recruitment into a tobacco treatment trial was difficult and expensive. Widely dispersed services and COVID-19 restrictions necessitated non-face-to-face recruitment strategies, such as direct mail postcards, which improved recruitment and may be worthy of further research. Clinical Trial Registration: The trial is registered with ANZCTR (www.anzctr.org.au): ACTRN12619000244101 prior to the accrual of the first participant and updated regularly as per registry guidelines. The trial sponsor was the University of Newcastle, NSW, Australia.

Smoking and other health factors in patients with head and neck cancer.

BACKGROUND: Information on smoking and other health factors in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients throughout treatment, follow-up and survivorship is limited. This study explores patterns of multiple health factors during radiotherapy (RT) and naturalistic long-term follow-up in a convenience sample of patients with HNC. METHODS: Smoking, alcohol use and depression were measured at baseline, 4 and 12 weeks post RT for a sub-group of 99 patients who participated in a randomised controlled trial and completed long-term follow-up. These factors plus healthy eating, physical activity and fatigue are also reported from the long-term follow-up component. Smoking was measured by self-report and biochemically, whilst all other variables were by self-report. Where variables were assessed at multiple time points logistic mixed effects regression models determined within-person changes over time. RESULTS: There were important discrepancies between self-reported (4-7%) and biochemically verified (13-29%) rates of smoking. Rates of smoking and hazardous alcohol intake were significantly increased at follow-up compared to baseline. Depression rates were observed to be higher at end of RT compared to baseline. At long-term follow-up, fatigue was common and co-occurred with suboptimal healthy eating and hazardous alcohol use. CONCLUSION: Clinically important levels of smoking and alcohol consumption post RT in this sample suggest possible targets for intervention beyond treatment into long-term follow-up of patients.

Access to and Use of Internet and Social Media by Low-Morbidity Stroke Survivors Participating in a National Web-Based Secondary Stroke Prevention Trial: Cross-sectional Survey.

BACKGROUND: eHealth applications for stroke are a growing area of research that has yielded promising results. However, little is known about how stroke survivors engage with the internet, social media, and other digital technologies on a day-to-day basis. OBJECTIVE: This study had three main objectives: to describe the type, frequency, and purpose of technology use among a cohort of low-morbidity stroke survivors; to investigate associations between social media use and participant factors, including sociodemographics, physical function, and independence in activities of daily living; and to investigate associations between stroke-related health risk factors and the use of the internet to search for health and medical information. METHODS: This study is a secondary analysis of data obtained during a national randomized controlled trial-Prevent 2nd Stroke. The participants were stroke survivors recruited from 2 Australian stroke registries who completed 2 telephone-administered surveys to collect data on demographics and stroke characteristics; health risk factors (diet quality, physical activity, blood pressure medication, alcohol intake, anxiety and depression, and smoking status); physical functioning; independence in activities of daily living; and questions about what technology they had access to, how often they used it, and for what purposes. Participants were eligible if they had no more than a moderate level of disability (modified Rankin score ≤3) and had access to the internet. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess the associations between social media use and sociodemographics, physical function, and independence in activities of daily living as well as associations between stroke-related health risk factors and the use of the internet to search for health and medical information. RESULTS: Data from 354 participants were included in the analysis. Approximately 79.1% (280/354) of participants used the internet at least daily, 40.8% (118/289) accessed social media on their phone or tablet daily, and 46.4% (134/289) looked up health and medical information at least monthly. Women were 2.7 times more likely to use social media (adjusted odds ratio 2.65, 95% CI 1.51-4.72), and people aged >75 years were significantly less likely to use social media compared with those aged <55 years (adjusted odds ratio 0.17, 95% CI 0.07-0.44). Health risk factors were not found to be associated with searching for health- or medical-related information. CONCLUSIONS: The internet appears to be a viable platform to engage with stroke survivors who may not be high-morbidity to conduct research and provide information and health interventions. This is important given that they are at high risk of recurrent stroke regardless of their level of disability. Exploring the technology use behaviors and the possibility of eHealth among survivors who experience higher levels of morbidity or disability because of their stroke is an area of research that warrants further study.

Behavioral Interventions to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk Among People with Severe Mental Disorder.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death among people with severe mental disorder (SMD). CVD risk factors occur at the individual, health system, and socio-environmental levels and contribute not only to high rates of CVD but also to worsening mental health. While acknowledging this wider context, this review focuses on behavioral interventions for seven CVD risk behaviors-smoking, physical inactivity, excessive alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, inadequate sleep, poor social participation, and poor medication adherence-that are common among people with SMD. We survey recent meta-reviews of the literature and then review additional key studies to provide clinical recommendations for behavioral interventions to reduce CVD risk among people with SMD. A transdiagnostic psychological approach from the start of mental health treatment, drawing upon multidisciplinary expertise to address multiple risk behaviors, is recommended.

Biofeedback Enabled CALM (BeCALM)-the feasibility of biofeedback on procedural anxiety during radiation therapy: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Patients undergoing treatment for cancer who require radiation therapy (RT) report anxiety specifically relating to the RT procedure. Procedural anxiety can be detrimental to treatment delivery, causing disruptions to treatment sessions, or treatment avoidance. Acute procedural anxiety is most commonly managed with anxiolytic medication. There is a need for effective, non-pharmacological interventions for patients not suitable for, or who prefer to avoid, anxiolytic medication. The primary objectives of this pilot trial are to evaluate the: (1) feasibility of conducting the Biofeedback Enabled CALM (BeCALM) intervention during RT treatment sessions; (2) acceptability of the BeCALM intervention among patients; and (3) acceptability of the BeCALM intervention among radiation therapists. The secondary objective of this pilot trial is to examine the potential effectiveness of the BeCALM intervention delivered by radiation therapists to reduce procedural anxiety during RT. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: This is a pilot randomised controlled trial. A researcher will recruit adult patients with cancer (3-month recruitment period) scheduled to undergo RT and meeting eligibility criteria for procedural anxiety at the Calvary Mater Hospital, Newcastle (NSW), Australia. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive treatment as usual or the BeCALM intervention (biofeedback plus brief breathing techniques). The primary outcomes are feasibility (measured by recruitment, retention rates and percentage of treatment sessions in which the intervention was successfully delivered); radiation therapists perceived feasibility and acceptability (survey responses); and patient perceived acceptability (survey responses). Secondary outcome is potential effectiveness of the intervention (as measured by the State Trait Anxiety Inventory-State subscale; the Distress Thermometer; and an analysis of treatment duration). ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The study protocol has received approval from Hunter New England Health Human Research Ethics Committee (2021/ETH11356). The results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications, as well as presentation at relevant conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ACTRN12621001742864.

A qualitative study investigating Australian cancer service outpatients' experience of distress screening and management: what is the personal relevance, acceptability and improvement opportunities from patient perspectives?

PURPOSE: People diagnosed with cancer experience high distress levels throughout diagnosis, treatment, and survivorship. Untreated distress is associated with poor outcomes, including worsened quality of life and higher mortality rates. Distress screening facilitates need-based access to supportive care which can optimize patient outcomes. This qualitative interview study explored outpatients' perceptions of a distress screening process implemented in an Australian cancer center. METHODS: Adult, English-speaking cancer outpatients were approached to participate in face-to-face or phone interviews after being screened by a clinic nurse using the distress thermometer (DT). The piloted semi-structured interview guide explored perceptions of the distress screening and management process, overall well-being, psychosocial support networks, and improvement opportunities for distress processes. Thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Four key themes were identified in the 19 interviews conducted. Distress screening was found to be generally acceptable to participants and could be conducted by a variety of health professionals at varied time points. However, some participants found "distress" to be an ambiguous term. Despite many participants experiencing clinical distress (i.e., DT ≥ 4), few actioned referrals; some noted a preference to manage and prevent distress through informal support and well-being activities. Participants' diverse coping styles, such as positivity, acceptance, and distancing, also factored into the perceived value of screening and referrals. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS: Screening models only measuring severity of distress may not be sufficient to direct care referrals, as they do not consider patients' varying coping strategies, external support networks, understanding of distress terminology, and motivations for accessing supportive care services.

Smoking cessation interventions for pregnant women attending treatment for substance use disorders: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Up to 95% of pregnant women seeking treatment for alcohol and other drug (AOD) use smoke tobacco. Previous reviews indicate few effective smoking cessation treatments for this group. This updated review aimed to identify and measure the efficacy of smoking cessation interventions trialled among pregnant women in AOD treatment settings who smoke tobacco. METHODS: A narrative synthesis was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement. Studies involving psychological, behavioural or pharmacological interventions used to treat tobacco use, including electronic nicotine delivery systems, for pregnant women of any age, who smoked tobacco and were seeking/receiving treatment, or in post-treatment recovery for AOD concerns, were reviewed. MEDLINE, PsycINFO, CINAHL, EMBASE and ProQuest databases, grey literature and reference lists were searched, and field experts were contacted for unpublished study data. The Effective Public Health Practice Project tool assessed study quality. The review was pre-registered with PROSPERO no. CRD42018108777. RESULTS: Seven interventions (two randomised controlled trials, two single-arm pilot studies, two program evaluations and one causal comparative study) treating 875 women were identified. All were United States (US)-based and targeted women with drug dependence, but not alcohol dependence. Three interventions used contingency management, five provided behavioural counselling, and one offered nicotine replacement therapy. All reported reductions in cigarette consumption; one contingency management-based study demonstrated higher abstinence rates compared with controls at treatment-end that were not maintained at follow-up. Four of six studies were rated as methodologically weak and one unpublished study was not rated. CONCLUSIONS: Conclusions about the efficacy of smoking interventions for pregnant women with alcohol and other drug concerns who also smoke tobacco are hindered by the paucity of available data and poor methodological quality of included studies.