Effect of lifestyle intervention holistic approach on blood glucose levels, health-related quality of life and medical treatment cost in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients

Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a costly, lifestyle-related disorder, its management is very critical and challenging hence lifestyle intervention may a cornerstone in the reversal and management of T2DM. This study designed to assess the impact of lifestyle intervention holistic (LIH) Model on blood glucose levels (BGL), Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL), and medical treatment cost in T2DM patients. This prospective, quasi-experimental study was conducted among 224 T2DM patients in Delhi Diabetes Research Center (DDRC), New Delhi. The study participants were allocated into two groups-Lifestyle Intervention Counseling (LIC) group received lifestyle-based counseling through the LIH model while the Usual-care group received only standard treatment. Study outcomes were assessed at baseline, 3rd, 6th, and 12th month and data were analyzed through SPSS. Study results revealed that LIC participants had decreased in fasting blood glucose 0.26 mg dL-1(-4.37 to 4.89), blood glucose postprandial -70.16 mg dL-1(-85.15 to -55.16), HbA1C -2.82% (-5.26 to -0.37), medicine cost (p < 0.004), hospitalization cost (p < 0.011), and cost of surgery (p < 0.0005). A significant improvement also observed in HRQOL and adherence towards a holistic model in LIC group. The study concludes that lifestyle-based counseling and its adherence was cost-effective and significantly improves BGL, HRQoL, and medical treatment in T2DM patients.

Práticas Corporais da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa no controle do tabagismo em adultos e idosos: qual é a eficácia/efetividade e a segurança das práticas corporais da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? / Traditional Chinese Medicine Body Practices in Smoking Control in Adults and the Elderly: what is the efficacy / effectiveness and safety of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) body practices in smoking cessation in adults and/or the elderly?

As práticas corporais da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa (MTC) envolvem movimento ou manipulação corporal, atitude mental e respiração com intuito de equilibrar a energia vital-Qi. As práticas da MTC são recomendadas para promoção, manutenção e recuperação da saúde, bem como prevenção de agravos e doenças. As práticas corporais da MTC, no Brasil, incluem acupuntura, lian gong, chi gong(qigong,chi kung);tui-na e tai chi chuan. Estas práticas foram incorporadas no SUS mediante Portaria no 971,de 03 de maio de 2006.PerguntaQualéa eficácia/efetividade e a segurança das práticas corporais da Medicina Tradicional Chinesa(MTC), exceto acupuntura, na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? As buscas por revisão sistemática foram realizadas em cinco bases de dados sem restrição de ano de publicação, publicados em inglês, português e espanhol. A busca foi por estudos que avaliassem o efeito das práticas corporais na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e idosos. Uma busca adicional por ensaios clínicos randomizados foi realizada em seis bases de dados, respeitando os mesmos critérios de elegibilidade. A acupuntura, embora faça parte das práticas da MTC, não foi incluída porque estás endo analisada separadamente em outras revisões realizadas por esta mesma equipe. De 111 revisões sistemáticas e 1.525 ensaios clínicos recuperados nas bases de dados, nenhum estudo atendeu aos critérios de elegibilidade. Devido à falta de evidências não é possível tecer considerações sobre a eficácia e segurança das práticas de MTC no controle do tabagismo na população adulta.

Acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão no controle do tabagismo em adultos e idosos: qual é a eficácia e a segurança da acupuntura, da auriculoterapia e da acupressão na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? / Acupuncture, auriculotherapy and acupressure in the control of smoking in adults and the elderly: what is the effectiveness and safety of acupuncture, auriculotherapy and acupressure in smoking cessation in adults and/or the elderly?

A acupuntura se caracteriza pela estimulação de pontos cutâneos específicos por meio do uso de agulhas. A auriculoterapia consiste na estimulação mecânica de pontos específicos do pavilhão auricular com esferas de aço, ouro, prata, plástico, agulhas ou sementes de mostarda. Acupressão é o estímulo dos pontos de acupuntura por meio de pressão física. A acupuntura é recomendada para promoção, manutenção e recuperação da saúde, bem como prevenção de agravos e doenças. Além disso, parece propiciar a liberação de neurotransmissores e outras substâncias responsáveis pela promoção da analgesia. A auriculoterapia e acupressão promovem a regulação psíquico-orgânica do indivíduo. Estas práticas foram incorporadas no SUS mediante Portaria nº 971, de 03 de maio de 2006. Qual é a eficácia e a segurança da acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão na cessação do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? As buscas foram realizadas em sete bases de dados sem restrição de ano de publicação. Os critérios de inclusão foram: revisões sistemáticas em inglês, português e espanhol que avaliaram os efeitos da acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão no controle do tabagismo na população adulta e idosa. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi realizada por meio da ferramenta AMSTAR 2, feita por uma pesquisadora e revisada por outra. Nesta revisão rápida, produzida em cinco dias, foram utilizados atalhos metodológicos, de maneira que apenas o processo de seleção foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. De 127 relatos encontrados nas bases de dados, foram incluídas seis revisões sistemáticas que atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade. Na avaliação da qualidade metodológica uma revisão apresentou alta qualidade, e cinco, qualidade criticamente baixa. As revisões analisaram o efeito de acupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão, combinadas ou não entre si e a outras tecnologias. A maioria dos resultados de metanálises e ensaios clínicos individuais mostraram similaridade da acupuntura em comparação a diversas intervenções. Em geral, a acupuntura e a acupressão mostraram-se superiores em relação a acupuntura simulada, medicamento placebo ou nenhum tratamento. A acupuntura foi inferior à terapia de reposição de nicotina. Duas revisões avaliaram a segurança das intervenções, com relatos sobre ocorrência de eventos adversos leves com o uso da acupuntura, eletroacupuntura, auriculoterapia e acupressão auricular. Esta revisão identificou que, de maneira geral, não houve diferença nos resultados entre acupuntura e auriculoterapia e seus diversos comparadores Acupuntura e acupressão mostraram resultados melhores na comparação com suas modalidades simuladas, medicamento placebo ou nenhum tratamento. No entanto, é necessário atenção ao interpretar estes resultados, uma vez que houve diversidade de terapias utilizadas nos estudos primários e a qualidade metodológica da maioria das revisões sistemáticas foi avaliada como criticamente baixa.

Meditação ou mindfulness no controle do tabagismo em adultos e idosos: qual a eficácia/efetividade e a segurança da meditação ou mindfulness no controle do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? / Meditation or mindfulness in smoking control in adults and the elderly: what is the efficacy/effectiveness and safety of meditation or mindfulness in smoking control in adults and / or the elderly?

A meditação é uma prática que consiste no foco da atenção para o momento presente, de modo não analítico ou discriminativo, podendo ser dividida em dois tipos: meditação concentrativa e mindfulness. A meditação e mindfulness trazem benefícios para o fortalecimento físico, emocional, mental, social e cognitivo. Dessa forma, são indicados para estímulo do bem-estar, relaxamento, redução do estresse, da hiperatividade e dos sintomas depressivos. A prática também pode ser efetiva no tratamento do tabagismo. Qual a eficácia e a segurança de meditação/mindfulness no controle do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? As buscas foram realizadas em sete base de dados sem restrição de ano de publicação. Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas em inglês, português e espanhol que avaliaram os efeitos da tecnologia no tratamento do tabagismo em população adulta e idosa. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi realizad por uma profissional e revisada por outra, utilizando-se a ferramenta AMSTAR 2. Nesta revisão rápida, produzida em dez dias, foram utilizados atalhos metodológicos, de maneira que apena so processo de seleção foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. De 64 revisões sistemáticas recuperadas nas bases de dados, nove atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídas. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica indicou que duas revisões são de qualidade baixa e seis de qualidade criticamente baixa. Não foram encontradas evidências sobre meditação concentrativa. As revisões apresentaram resultados sobre o uso de diversas categorias de mindfulness no controle do tabagismo. A prática de mindfulness mostrou efeito sobre a cessação, o desejo e a abstinência de fumar, bem como no estado de humor de ex-tabagistas. Os estudos mostraram não haver diferença entre mindfulness e outras terapias na redução do consumo de cigarros. É importante ressaltar que a maior parte destes resultados se refere a ensaios clínicos únicos e com número reduzido de participantes. Apenas uma revisão relatou sobre a segurança da prática de mindfulness, mostrando a não ocorrência de eventos adversos. Diversas modalidades do mindfulness mostraram efeitos positivos para o controle do tabagismo com relação à cessação, ao desejo de fumar, à abstinência ao fumo, e ao estado de humor de ex-tabagistas. A segurança da prática de mindfulness e meditação foi pouco investigada. Estes achados, no entanto, devem ser interpretados com cautela, visto que a confiança nos resultados das revisões foi considerada baixa e criticamente baixa na avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Além disso, a grande diversidade de intervenções incluídas nas comparações tornou difícil a realização de metanálises, de forma que os resultados na maioria das vezes foram apresentados de forma descritiva e com frequência sem dados numéricos. Há necessidade de mais estudos, com qualidade metodológica adequada, para afirmar sobre a eficácia da prática de mindfulness no controle do tabagismo.

Yoga no controle do tabagismo em adultos e idosos: qual é a eficácia e a segurança do yoga no controle do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? / Yoga in the control of smoking in adults and the elderly: what is the effectiveness and safety of yoga in the control of smoking in adults and/or the elderly?

O yoga caracteriza-se como uma prática integrativa de origem oriental que combina posições corporais, técnicas de respiração, meditação e relaxamento. É indicada no tratamento de sistemas musculoesquelético, endócrino, respiratório, além de outros agravos à saúde, e estimula as funções cognitivas. Há evidências de que o yoga pode ser uma alternativa para auxiliar na cessação do tabagismo. Qual a eficácia e a segurança do yoga no controle do tabagismo em adultos e/ou idosos? As buscas foram realizadas em sete base de dados sem restrição de ano de publicação. Foram incluídas revisões sistemáticas em inglês, português e espanhol que avaliaram os efeitos da tecnologia no tratamento do tabagismo em população adulta e idosa. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica foi realizada por uma profissional e revisada por outra, utilizando-se a ferramenta AMSTAR 2. Nesta revisão rápida, produzida em três dias, foram utilizados atalhos metodológicos, de maneira que apenas o processo de seleção foi realizado em duplicidade e de forma independente. De 33 revisões sistemáticas recuperadas nas bases de dados, três atenderam aos critérios de elegibilidade e foram incluídas. A avaliação da qualidade metodológica indica que essas revisões são de qualidade criticamente baixa. As revisões apresentaram resultados sobre o uso de yoga no controle do tabagismo, incluindo as categorias hatha yoga e yoga vinyasa. O uso de hatha yoga e yoga vinyasa como método único ou associado a Terapia Cognitivo-Comportamental mostrou efeito na redução e cessação do desejo de fumar, na abstinência de fumar, no estágio de prontidão para mudanças e no estado de humor dos participantes dos estudos. No entanto, esses resultados têm como base ensaios clínicos únicos e com número reduzido de participantes. Uma revisão relatou sobre a segurança daprática de yoga, mostrando a não ocorrência de eventos adversos. As modalidades de hatha yoga e yoga vinyasa mostraram efeitos positivos para o controle do tabagismo com relação ao desejo de fumar, abstinência, estágio de prontidão para mudanças e humor. Os resultados são baseados em poucos ensaios clínicos. A segurança da prática de yoga foi pouco investigada. Além disso, esses achados devem ser interpretados com cautela, visto que a confiança nos resultados das revisões foi considerada criticamente baixa na avaliação da qualidade metodológica. Há necessidade de mais estudos, com qualidade metodológica adequada, para afirmar sobre a eficácia da prática de yoga no controle do tabagismo.

COach2Quit: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial of a Personal Carbon Monoxide Monitor for Smoking Cessation.

INTRODUCTION: Mobile phone-based messaging support and biomarker feedback independently show evidence of increasing an individual's likelihood of quitting smoking. However, the combination of these two strategies to facilitate smoking cessation has not been adequately explored. METHODS: We conducted a randomized controlled trial in Baltimore, Maryland, to assess the efficacy of COach2Quit, a smartphone application that provides exhaled carbon monoxide readings with message support. The primary outcome was self-reported and biochemically verified smoking cessation at 30-day follow-up. Secondary outcomes were reduction in smoking, motivation to quit, and engagement and satisfaction with COach2Quit. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted. RESULTS: Adult smokers were randomized 1:1 to receive brief advice and COach2Quit (intervention, n = 50) or brief advice only (control, n = 52). Thirteen participants were lost to follow-up. At 30-day follow-up, one participant in each arm quit smoking. Median change in carbon monoxide levels (in parts per million (ppm)) (intervention: -3.0 [interquartile range (IQR) -12.0, 2.0]; control: -2.5 [IQR -9.0, 2.0]) and median change in number of cigarettes smoked per day (intervention: -5.5 [IQR -14.0, -1.0]; control: -6.0 [IQR -10.0, -2.0]) was similar between study arms. There was no significant difference in mean percent change in the Reasons for Quitting scale score (intervention: 6.3 [95% confidence interval = -2.2% to 14.8%]; control: -3.6 [95% confidence interval = -9.2% to 2.1%]). A majority (n = 32, 91%) of participants liked having COach2Quit to help them quit smoking. CONCLUSIONS: There were no significant differences in smoking cessation, smoking reduction, and motivation to quit between study arms. However, high satisfaction with the COach2Quit application indicates its feasibility and acceptability as a smoking cessation tool. IMPLICATIONS: Smoking is the leading preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the United States. Although counseling and pharmacotherapy are efficacious for smoking cessation, they are not easily accessible or desirable to all smokers, highlighting the need for identifying other interventions. There is evidence for the efficacy of mobile phone-based messaging support for smoking cessation. However, there is limited research on the efficacy of biomarker feedback, much less interventions that combine these two approaches. This research contributes to filling this gap and identifying novel interventions to facilitate smoking cessation.

Yoga as a Complementary Therapy for Smoking Cessation: Results From BreathEasy, a Randomized Clinical Trial.

INTRODUCTION: There is evidence that Yoga may be helpful as an aid for smoking cessation. Yoga has been shown to reduce stress and negative mood and may aid weight control, all of which have proven to be barriers to quitting smoking. This study is the first rigorous, randomized clinical trial of Yoga as a complementary therapy for smokers attempting to quit. METHODS: Adult smokers (N = 227; 55.5% women) were randomized to an 8-week program of cognitive-behavioral smoking cessation and either twice-weekly Iyengar Yoga or general Wellness classes (control). Assessments included cotinine-verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence at week 8, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. RESULTS: At baseline, participants' mean age was 46.2 (SD = 12.0) years and smoking rate was 17.3 (SD = 7.6) cigarettes/day. Longitudinally adjusted models of abstinence outcomes demonstrated significant group effects favoring Yoga. Yoga participants had 37% greater odds of achieving abstinence than Wellness participants at the end of treatment (EOT). Lower baseline smoking rates (≤10 cigarettes/day) were also associated with higher likelihood of quitting if given Yoga versus Wellness (OR = 2.43, 95% CI = 1.09% to 6.30%) classes at EOT. A significant dose effect was observed for Yoga (OR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.09% to 1.26%), but not Wellness, such that each Yoga class attended increased quitting odds at EOT by 12%. Latent Class Modeling revealed a 4-class model of distinct quitting patterns among participants. CONCLUSIONS: Yoga appears to increase the odds of successful smoking abstinence, particularly among light smokers. Additional work is needed to identify predictors of quitting patterns and inform adjustments to therapy needed to achieve cessation and prevent relapse. IMPLICATIONS: This study adds to our knowledge of the types of physical activity that aid smoking cessation. Yoga increases the odds of successful smoking abstinence, and does so in a dose-response manner. This study also revealed four distinct patterns of smoking behavior among participants relevant to quitting smoking. Additional work is needed to determine whether variables that are predictive of these quitting patterns can be identified, which might suggest modifications to therapy for those who are unable to quit.

Systems change to improve tobacco use identification and referral in the chiropractic setting: a pilot study.

Background: Tobacco use remains a leading cause of death and disability in the United States. Health professionals need to address the use of tobacco products by their patients, but chiropractic clinical systems often remain unsupported and underappreciated in their role to facilitate tobacco use cessation. Methods: This pilot study tested an intervention to assist a chiropractic community to implement sustainable health systems changes for tobacco use based on U.S. Public Health Service guidelines. Chiropractors were educated on the Ask, Advise, Refer (AAR) approach, provided with ongoing guidance, and followed for six months to assess systems change. The study was conducted from March 2016 to July 2017. Results: Evidence of a systematic process in place to conduct AAR was present in all clinics by the end of the fourth month of the intervention period. Although no clinic had sustained health system change for full AAR, all six of the clinics made progress in the individual AAR components. Furthermore, five clinics achieved sustained system change for the Ask component, as after systems change was achieved, the rate of tobacco user identifications did not drop below 50%. For the Advise component, five clinics succeeded in having individual months of ≥50% of tobacco users being advised, and three clinics achieved the formal definition of systems change. For the Refer component, no clinic achieved system change, although four had individual months of ≥50% of tobacco users being referred. The patient quit rate was 13.3% (n = 15) for the 30-day follow-up and 16.7% (n = 6) for the three-month follow-up. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing a health systems change in the chiropractic setting to identify tobacco users, to advise them to quit, and to refer users for cessation services.

The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Brazilian political agenda, 2003-2005. / A Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização mundial da Saúde na agenda política brasileira, 2003-2005.

This study analyses the development of a tobacco-control agenda in Brazil following the country's participation in the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC). This process started with the diplomatic negotiations for the participation of Brazil in the treaty, in 2003, and its ratification by the National Congress, in 2005, and was marked by substantial controversies between public health players, who are accountable for tobacco-control actions, and the high echelon of Brazilian diplomacy, emissaries of the tobacco industry, representatives of small tobacco farmers from the Southern region of the country, congress representatives, senators and ministers. The study is based on the contributions of John W. Kingdon on the development of an agenda for the formulation of public policies. It took into account secondary references, legislative and institutional sources from the 1995 to 2005 period. It concluded that the association of tobacco-related healthcare actions by technically skilled officials, the involvement of the high echelon of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (policy flow), the initiative for the establishment of the WHO-FCTC (problem flow), and the existence of a favorable environment in both, executive and legislative (political flow), opened a window of opportunity for WHO-FCTC ratification and its inclusion in the government decision agenda.

The decision-making process in Brazil's ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. / O processo decisório de ratificação da Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização Mundial da Saúde no Brasil.

Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of various types of cancer and other tobacco-related diseases. In 2003, the World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), which aims to protect citizens from the health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. The Convention was to be ratified by the Member States of the WHO; in Brazil's case, ratification involved the National Congress, which held public hearings in the country's leading tobacco growing communities (municipalities). The current study analyzes this decision-making process according to the different interests, positions, and stakeholders. In methodological terms, this is a qualitative study based on document research, drawing primarily on the shorthand notes from the public hearings. We analyze the interests and arguments for and against ratification. The article shows that although preceded by intense debates, the final decision in favor of ratification was made by a limited group of government stakeholders, characterizing a decision-making process similar to a funnel.

Treating tobacco dependence: guidance for primary care on life-saving interventions. Position statement of the IPCRG.

Tobacco smoking is the world's leading cause of premature death and disability. Global targets to reduce premature deaths by 25% by 2025 will require a substantial increase in the number of smokers making a quit attempt, and a significant improvement in the success rates of those attempts in low, middle and high income countries. In many countries the only place where the majority of smokers can access support to quit is primary care. There is strong evidence of cost-effective interventions in primary care yet many opportunities to put these into practice are missed. This paper revises the approach proposed by the International Primary Care Respiratory Group published in 2008 in this journal to reflect important new evidence and the global variation in primary-care experience and knowledge of smoking cessation. Specific for primary care, that advocates for a holistic, bio-psycho-social approach to most problems, the starting point is to approach tobacco dependence as an eminently treatable condition. We offer a hierarchy of interventions depending on time and available resources. We present an equitable approach to behavioural and drug interventions. This includes an update to the evidence on behaviour change, gender difference, comparative information on numbers needed to treat, drug safety and availability of drugs, including the relatively cheap drug cytisine, and a summary of new approaches such as harm reduction. This paper also extends the guidance on special populations such as people with long-term conditions including tuberculosis, human immunodeficiency virus, cardiovascular disease and respiratory disease, pregnant women, children and adolescents, and people with serious mental illness. We use expert clinical opinion where the research evidence is insufficient or inconclusive. The paper describes trends in the use of waterpipes and cannabis smoking and offers guidance to primary-care clinicians on what to do faced with uncertain evidence. Throughout, it recognises that clinical decisions should be tailored to the individual's circumstances and attitudes and be influenced by the availability and affordability of drugs and specialist services. Finally it argues that the role of the International Primary Care Respiratory Group is to improve the confidence as well as the competence of primary care and, therefore, makes recommendations about clinical education and evaluation. We also advocate for an update to the WHO Model List of Essential Medicines to optimise each primary-care intervention. This International Primary Care Respiratory Group statement has been endorsed by the Member Organisations of World Organization of Family Doctors Europe.

O processo decisório de ratificação da Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização Mundial da Saúde no Brasil / El proceso decisorio de ratificación del Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco de la Organización Mundial de la Salud en Brasil / The decision-making process in Brazil's ratification of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control

Resumo: O consumo de tabaco é um dos principais responsáveis por diferentes tipos de câncer e outras enfermidades relacionadas a esse uso. Em 2003, a Assembleia Mundial de Saúde adotou a Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização Mundial da Saúde (CQCT-OMS), a qual visa a proteger os cidadãos das consequências sanitárias, sociais, ambientais e econômicas geradas pelo consumo e pela exposição à fumaça do tabaco. A Convenção deveria ser ratificada pelos países membros da OMS e, no caso brasileiro, sua ratificação envolveu o Congresso Nacional, que realizou audiências públicas nas principais cidades produtoras da erva. Neste trabalho, analisa-se esse processo decisório à luz dos diferentes interesses, posições e atores sociais envolvidos. Em termos metodológicos, trata-se de um estudo qualitativo fundamentado em pesquisa documental baseada, sobretudo, nas notas taquigráficas das audiências públicas. São analisados os interesses e os argumentos apresentados favoráveis e contrários à ratificação. O artigo demonstra que, apesar de precedida por intensos debates, a decisão final favorável à ratificação foi tomada por um grupo restrito de agentes públicos, caracterizando um processo decisório que se assemelha a um funil.

Resumen: El consumo de tabaco es uno de los principales responsables de los diferentes tipos de cáncer y otras enfermedades relacionadas con su consumo. En 2003, la Asamblea Mundial de la Salud adoptó el Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (CQCT-OMS), que tiene como objetivo proteger a los ciudadanos de las consecuencias sanitarias, sociales, ambientales y económicas generadas por el consumo y por la exposición al humo del tabaco. El convenio debería ser ratificado por los países miembros de la OMS y, en el caso brasileño, su ratificación involucró al Congreso Nacional, que realizó audiencias públicas en las principales ciudades productoras de esta planta. En este trabajo, se analiza ese proceso decisorio a la luz de los diferentes intereses, posiciones y actores sociales involucrados. En términos metodológicos, se trata de un estudio cualitativo, fundamentado en una investigación documental basada, sobre todo, en las notas taquigráficas de las audiencias públicas. Se analizan los intereses y los argumentos presentados favorables y contrarios a la ratificación. El artículo demuestra que, a pesar de estar precedida por intensos debates, la decisión final favorable a la ratificación se tomó por parte de un grupo restringido de agentes públicos, caracterizando un proceso decisorio semejante por su dinámica al de un embudo.

Abstract: Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of various types of cancer and other tobacco-related diseases. In 2003, the World Health Assembly adopted the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC), which aims to protect citizens from the health, social, environmental, and economic consequences of tobacco consumption and exposure to tobacco smoke. The Convention was to be ratified by the Member States of the WHO; in Brazil's case, ratification involved the National Congress, which held public hearings in the country's leading tobacco growing communities (municipalities). The current study analyzes this decision-making process according to the different interests, positions, and stakeholders. In methodological terms, this is a qualitative study based on document research, drawing primarily on the shorthand notes from the public hearings. We analyze the interests and arguments for and against ratification. The article shows that although preceded by intense debates, the final decision in favor of ratification was made by a limited group of government stakeholders, characterizing a decision-making process similar to a funnel.

A Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização mundial da Saúde na agenda política brasileira, 2003-2005 / El Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco en la Organización Mundial de la Salud em la agenda política brasileña, 2003-2005 / The World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in the Brazilian political agenda, 2003-2005

Resumo: Este estudo analisa a criação de uma agenda política de controle do tabaco no Brasil a partir da participação do país na Convenção-Quadro para o Controle do Tabaco da Organização Mundial da Saúde (CQCT-OMS). Tal processo se estendeu entre as negociações diplomáticas para a participação do Brasil nesse Tratado, em 2003, e a sua ratificação pelo Congresso Nacional, em 2005, e foi marcado por longas controvérsias que colocaram frente a frente atores da saúde pública, que são os responsáveis pelas atividades de controle do tabaco, o alto escalão da diplomacia brasileira, os emissários da indústria tabaqueira, os representantes dos pequenos plantadores de fumo da Região Sul do país, deputados, senadores e ministros. O estudo toma como base as contribuições de John W. Kingdon sobre o processo de configuração de agenda no âmbito da formulação de políticas públicas. Sua construção baseou-se em bibliografia secundária, fontes legislativas e institucionais no período de 1995 a 2005. Conclui-se que a convergência da capacidade técnica da burocracia da saúde e suas ações para o controle do tabaco, o envolvimento do alto escalão do Ministério das Relações Exteriores (fluxo de políticas), a iniciativa de criação do CQCT_oms (fluxo de problemas) e a existência de um ambiente favorável, tanto no Executivo quanto no Legislativo (fluxo político), possibilitaram a abertura de uma janela de oportunidade para a ratificação da CQCT-OMS e sua ascensão à agenda de decisão governamental.

Resumen: Este estudio analiza la creación de una agenda política de control al tabaco en Brasil, a partir de la participación del país en el Convenio Marco para el Control del Tabaco de la Organizaciòn Mundial de la Salud (CQCT-OMS por sus siglas en portugués). Tal proceso se extendió entre las negociaciones diplomáticas para la participación de Brasil en ese tratado, en 2003, y su ratificación por el Congreso Nacional, en 2005, que estuvo marcado por largas controversias que pusieron frente a frente a actores de la salud pública, quienes son responsables de las actividades de control al tabaco; el alto escalón de la diplomacia brasileña, los emisarios de la industria tabaquera, los representantes de los pequeños agricultores del tabaco de la región sur del país, diputados, senadores y ministros. El estudio toma como base las contribuciones de John W. Kingdon sobre el proceso de configuración de agenda en el ámbito de la formulación de políticas públicas. Su construcción se basó en bibliografía secundaria, fuentes legislativas e institucionales durante el período de 1995 a 2005. Se concluyó que la convergencia de la capacidad técnica de la burocracia de la salud y sus acciones para el control el tabaco, la participación del alto escalafón del Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores (flujo de políticas), la iniciativa de creación del CQCT-OMS (flujo de problemas) y la existencia de un ambiente favorable, tanto en el Ejecutivo como en el Legislativo (flujo político), posibilitaron la apertura de una ventana de oportunidad para la ratificación del CQCT-OMS y su ascensión a la agenda de decisión gubernamental.

Abstract: This study analyses the development of a tobacco-control agenda in Brazil following the country's participation in the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO-FCTC). This process started with the diplomatic negotiations for the participation of Brazil in the treaty, in 2003, and its ratification by the National Congress, in 2005, and was marked by substantial controversies between public health players, who are accountable for tobacco-control actions, and the high echelon of Brazilian diplomacy, emissaries of the tobacco industry, representatives of small tobacco farmers from the Southern region of the country, congress representatives, senators and ministers. The study is based on the contributions of John W. Kingdon on the development of an agenda for the formulation of public policies. It took into account secondary references, legislative and institutional sources from the 1995 to 2005 period. It concluded that the association of tobacco-related healthcare actions by technically skilled officials, the involvement of the high echelon of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (policy flow), the initiative for the establishment of the WHO-FCTC (problem flow), and the existence of a favorable environment in both, executive and legislative (political flow), opened a window of opportunity for WHO-FCTC ratification and its inclusion in the government decision agenda.

Use of aids for smoking cessation and alcohol reduction: A population survey of adults in England.

BACKGROUND: It is important for policy planning to chart the methods smokers and high-risk drinkers use to help them change their behaviour. This study assessed prevalence of use, and characteristics of users, of support for smoking cessation and alcohol reduction in England. METHODS: Data were used from the Smoking and Alcohol Toolkit Studies, which involve monthly face-to-face computer-assisted interviews of adults aged 16+ in England. We included data collected between June 2014 and July 2015 on 1600 smokers who had made at least one quit attempt and 911 high-risk drinkers (defined as scores >8+ on the full AUDIT or 5+ on questions 1-3 of the AUDIT-C) who had made an attempt to cut down in the past 12 months. Participants provided information on their socio-demographic characteristics and use of aids during their most recent quit attempt including pharmacotherapy, face-to-face counselling, telephone support, self-help materials (digital and printed), and complementary medicine. RESULTS: A total of 60.3% of smokers used aids in the past year, compared with just 14.9% of high-risk drinkers. Use of pharmacotherapy was high among smokers and very low among drinkers (56.0%versus1.2%). Use of other aids was low for both behaviours: face-to-face counselling (2.6%versus4.8%), self-help materials (1.4%versus4.1%) and complementary medicine (1.0%versus0.5%). Use of aids was more common among smokers aged 25-54 compared with 16-24 year olds (25-34,ORadj1.49,p = 0.012; 35-44,ORadj1.93,p < 0.001; 35-44,ORadj1.93,p < 0.001; 45-54,ORadj1.66,p = 0.008), with cigarette consumption >10 relative to <1 (10-20,ORadj2.47,p = 0.011; >20,ORadj4.23,p = 0.001), and less common among ethnic minorities (ORadj0.69,p = 0.026). For alcohol reduction, use of aids was higher among ethnic minority groups (ORadj2.41;p = 0.015), and those of social-grade D/E relative to AB (ORadj2.29,p = 0.012&ORadj3.13,p < 0.001). CONCLUSION: In England, the use of pharmacotherapy is prevalent for smoking cessation but not alcohol reduction. Other aids are used at a low rate, with face-to-face counselling being more common for alcohol reduction than smoking cessation.

Functional Connectivity During Exposure to Favorite-Food, Stress, and Neutral-Relaxing Imagery Differs Between Smokers and Nonsmokers.

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco-use disorder is a complex condition involving multiple brain networks and presenting with multiple behavioral correlates including changes in diet and stress. In a previous functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study of neural responses to favorite-food, stress, and neutral-relaxing imagery, smokers versus nonsmokers demonstrated blunted corticostriatal-limbic responses to favorite-food cues. Based on other recent reports of alterations in functional brain networks in smokers, the current study examined functional connectivity during exposure to favorite-food, stress, and neutral-relaxing imagery in smokers and nonsmokers, using the same dataset. METHODS: The intrinsic connectivity distribution was measured to identify brain regions that differed in degree of functional connectivity between groups during each imagery condition. Resulting clusters were evaluated for seed-to-voxel connectivity to identify the specific connections that differed between groups during each imagery condition. RESULTS: During exposure to favorite-food imagery, smokers versus nonsmokers showed lower connectivity in the supramarginal gyrus, and differences in connectivity between the supramarginal gyrus and the corticostriatal-limbic system. During exposure to neutral-relaxing imagery, smokers versus nonsmokers showed greater connectivity in the precuneus, and greater connectivity between the precuneus and the posterior insula and rolandic operculum. During exposure to stress imagery, smokers versus nonsmokers showed lower connectivity in the cerebellum. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide data-driven insights into smoking-related alterations in brain functional connectivity patterns related to appetitive, relaxing, and stressful states. IMPLICATIONS: This study uses a data-driven approach to demonstrate that smokers and nonsmokers show differential patterns of functional connectivity during guided imagery related to personalized favorite-food, stress, and neutral-relaxing cues, in brain regions implicated in attention, reward-related, emotional, and motivational processes. For smokers, these differences in connectivity may impact appetite, stress, and relaxation, and may interfere with smoking cessation.

Project EX-India: A classroom-based tobacco use prevention and cessation intervention program.

Tobacco use experimentation is most frequent between the ages of 15­24 in India. Therefore, programming to counteract tobacco use among adolescents is needed. There is a lack of evidence-based teen tobacco use prevention and cessation programs. The current study provides an outcome evaluation of the Project EX tobacco use prevention and cessation program among Indian adolescents (16­18 years). An eight-session classroom-based curriculum was adapted to the Indian context and translated from English to Hindi (local language). Next, it was tested using a quasi-experimental design with 624 Indian students at baseline, involving two program and two control schools, with a three-month post-program follow-up. Project EX involves motivation enhancement (e.g., talk shows and games) and coping skills (e.g., complementary and alternative medicine) components. Program participants rated complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) activities like meditation, yoga and healthy breathing higher than talk shows and games. Compared to the standard care control condition, the program condition revealed a prevention effect, but not a cessation effect. Implications for prevention/cessation programming among Indian teens are discussed. This study was approved by the Independent Ethics Committee, Mumbai.

Effect of Brief Mindfulness Practice on Self-Reported Affect, Craving, and Smoking: A Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial Using Ecological Momentary Assessment.

INTRODUCTION: Despite efficacious pharmacological and behavioral treatments, most smokers attempt to quit without assistance and fail to quit. Mindfulness practice may be useful in smoking cessation. METHODS: This ecological momentary assessment (EMA) study was a pilot parallel group randomized controlled trial of a brief mindfulness practice (Brief-MP) intervention on self-reported smoking behavior delivered to smokers on a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA) in the field. Adult community smokers (N = 44) were randomly assigned to a Brief-MP (n = 24) or Control (sham meditation; n = 20) group. Participants were instructed to smoke as much or as little as they liked. Participants carried a PDA for 2 weeks and were instructed to initiate 20 minutes of meditation (or control) training on the PDA daily, completing an assessment of cognitive and affective processes immediately afterwards. Additionally, they completed assessments at random times up to four times per day. Primary outcome variables were negative affect, craving, and cigarettes smoked per day, all self-reported. RESULTS: Thirty-seven participants provided EMA data totaling 1874 assessments. Linear Mixed Model analyses on EMA data revealed that Brief-MP (vs. Control) reduced overall negative affect, F(1, 1798) = 13.8, P = .0002; reduced craving immediately post-meditation, (Group × Assessment Type interaction, F(2, 1796) = 12.3, P = .0001); and reduced cigarettes smoked per day over time (Group × Day interaction, F(1, 436) = 5.50, P = .01). CONCLUSIONS: Brief-MP administered in the field reduced negative affect, craving, and cigarette use, suggesting it may be a useful treatment.

Dental hygiene students' perceptions of a cultural competence component in a tobacco dependence education curriculum: a pilot study.

First Nations and Inuit peoples have tobacco use rates three times that of the Canadian national average. Providing tobacco dependence education (TDE) requires an understanding of the factors surrounding tobacco use that are culturally specific to this population. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a new cultural competence component for Canadian First Nations and Inuit peoples in a TDE curriculum at Dalhousie University School of Dental Hygiene, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada. In 2011, the TDE curriculum was revised to include a First Nations and Inuit people's cultural component. A 32-question survey was developed for the study, with questions divided into four subscales regarding students' perceived knowledge, skills, comfort level, and attitudes about working with this population. Responses from students in two succeeding years were compared: the first cohort had not participated in the revised curriculum (56% response rate), and the second cohort had (63% response rate). The results showed an overall improvement in the subscales evaluated and a significant (p=0.002) improvement in the knowledge subscale of the students who received the new TDE curriculum, specifically regarding knowledge about sociocultural characteristics, health risks, and cultural healing traditions of First Nations and Inuit people. Although the results indicated an increase in the knowledge of the culture of First Nations and Inuit peoples, it is unclear whether the students felt better prepared to provide TDE to this population. For future research, the investigators would examine what learning experiences and further changes to the curriculum could be provided to facilitate the level of preparedness to successfully deliver TDE.

Factors involved in the collaboration between the national comprehensive cancer control programs and tobacco control programs: a qualitative study of 6 States, United States, 2012.

INTRODUCTION: Historically, federal funding streams to address cancer and tobacco use have been provided separately to state health departments. This study aims to document the impact of a recent focus on coordinating chronic disease efforts through collaboration between the 2 programs. METHODS: Through a case-study approach using semistructured interviews, we collected information on the organizational context, infrastructure, and interaction between cancer and tobacco control programs in 6 states from March through July 2012. Data were analyzed with NVivo software, using a grounded-theory approach. RESULTS: We found between-program activities in the state health department and coordinated implementation of interventions in the community. Factors identified as facilitating integrated interventions in the community included collaboration between programs in the strategic planning process, incorporation of one another's priorities into state strategic plans, co-location, and leadership support for collaboration. Coalitions were used to deliver integrated interventions to the community. Five states perceived high staff turnover as a barrier to collaboration, and all 5 states felt that federal funding requirements were a barrier. CONCLUSIONS: Cancer and tobacco programs are beginning to implement integrated interventions to address chronic disease. Findings can inform the development of future efforts to integrate program activities across chronic disease prevention efforts.

Acceptance and commitment therapy smoking cessation treatment for veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE: Veterans with PTSD smoke at rates two to three times higher than the general population, while their quit rate is less than half that of the general population. The present study evaluated the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Veterans With Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Tobacco Addiction (ACT-PT), which focuses on helping veterans overcome emotional challenges to quitting smoking. METHODS: Veterans with current PTSD who smoked 15 or more cigarettes/day (N = 19) participated in an open trial of ACT-PT. Participants attended nine weekly individual counseling sessions and received eight weeks of nicotine patch therapy. Primary outcomes included feasibility and acceptability of the intervention, and secondary outcomes included expired-air carbon monoxide confirmed seven-day point prevalence abstinence, cravings, and PTSD symptoms. RESULTS: The retention rate for ACT-PT was good (74%) and client satisfaction ratings were high. Participants made multiple quit attempts (M = 3.6, SD = 4.2) during the study period and were significantly more confident that they could quit smoking at three-month follow-up. At the end of treatment, 37% of participants were abstinent from smoking and 16% were abstinent at three-month follow-up. Overall, participants reduced their smoking by 62% at the end of treatment and 43% at three-month follow-up. PTSD symptoms and smoking urges significantly decreased from baseline to the end of treatment and three-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: ACT-PT appears to be a promising smoking cessation treatment for veterans with PTSD. Future research should evaluate ACT-PT in a randomized controlled trial.