Reassessing Established Assumptions of Dietary Habits in the USA in the Context of Migration and Acculturation: a Qualitative Study of Latino Immigrants.

INTRODUCTION: The growing prevalence of obesity in the USA disproportionately affects Latinos compared to non-Latino Whites. Immigration and acculturation have been associated with unhealthy dietary shifts among Latino immigrants, a phenomenon known as dietary acculturation. Emerging evidence points to a more nuanced relationship between dietary habits, immigration, and acculturation, highlighting the need for a more current comprehension of dietary acculturation. OBJECTIVE: We explored how Latino immigrants' experiences in migrating to the USA have affected their perceived dietary habits and their experiences of how supportive the USA is in establishing healthy practices compared to their native country. METHODS: Employing a descriptive qualitative study design, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 19 Latinos who had participated in a lifestyle change program between 2016 and 2019. We used thematic analysis to analyze the data and report emerging themes. RESULTS: Participants expressed divergent perceptions of their dietary habits post-immigration. Some affirmed prevailing assumptions of dietary acculturation, citing deteriorating diet quality in the USA in the context of a faster pace of life, healthier options in the native country, and shifts in the food environment that prevented access to healthy foods. Conversely, others held opposing views, attributing their perceived improved diet to unhealthy dietary habits in Latin America, coupled with increased access to and affordability of healthy foods in the USA. CONCLUSION: Our study contributes to the evolving understanding of dietary acculturation among Latino immigrants and provides a more nuanced and updated understanding of this process that reflects their current experiences in acculturating to the USA.

A culturally and linguistically adapted text-message Diabetes Prevention Program for Latinos: Feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness.

Despite the general positive outcomes of the Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP), the program's reach, adherence, and effectiveness among Latinos are still suboptimal. Text-message DPP can potentially overcome barriers and improve DPP outcomes for this group. We aimed to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminarily effectiveness of a culturally and linguistically adapted text-message DPP for Latinos. We enrolled 26 eligible Spanish-speaking Latino adults at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (A1c = 5.7%-6.4%, body mass index ≥25) in a 6-month culturally and linguistically adapted text-message DPP. Participants received (i) two to three daily automated text-messages about healthy eating, physical activity, problem-solving skills, lifestyle change motivation, and logistics, (ii) on-demand keyword-driven messages, and (iii) on-demand chat messages with a DPP coach. Outcomes included feasibility (e.g. adherence), acceptability (e.g. satisfaction), and preliminary effectiveness (e.g. weight loss). Twenty-four participants completed the program and follow-up assessments. Participants' mean body weight changed from 191.2 to 186.7 pounds (P = .004); 45.8% of participants lost ≥3%, and 29.2% lost ≥5% of body weight. Body mass index and waist circumference were also reduced [0.9 kg/m2 (P = .003) and 1.1 cm (P = .03), pre-post]. Self-reported physical activity frequency was increased (P = .003). No statistically significant changes in diet quality were found. Most participants were satisfied with the program and perceived it to help prevent diabetes. Our pilot study of an innovative text-message DPP for Latinos demonstrated the program was acceptable, feasible, and potentially effective. Using text-message for DPP can reduce barriers to in-person participation by increasing the program's reach without compromising fidelity and effectiveness.

The Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) is an in-person program that helps people to reduce their risk of having diabetes by supporting them to improve their lifestyles. However, the program is not working well for Latinos. It is possible that offering the program using text-messages for Latinos can support them in improving their lifestyles so they can reduce their chances of getting diabetes. We developed a text-message DPP for Latinos who speak Spanish to test if the program would work for them. A total of 26 Latinos received 2 to 3 daily text-messages about healthy eating, physical activity, and motivations to change lifestyles, for a period of 6 months. Participants also had the chance to send messages to coaches to get individualized responses. By the end of the 6 months, 24 Latinos completed the program. Participants reduced an average of 5.5 pounds in body weight. We also saw reductions in participants' waist circumferences. In addition, participants started to do more physical activity. Most participants were satisfied with the program and perceived it helped them prevent diabetes. In conclusion, we believe that our program worked well and was successful in helping Latinos to change their lifestyles to prevent diabetes.

Prediabetes prevalence and awareness by race, ethnicity, and educational attainment among U.S. adults.

Introduction: Racial and ethnic minority groups and individuals with limited educational attainment experience a disproportionate burden of diabetes. Prediabetes represents a high-risk state for developing type 2 diabetes, but most adults with prediabetes are unaware of having the condition. Uncovering whether racial, ethnic, or educational disparities also occur in the prediabetes stage could help inform strategies to support health equity in preventing type 2 diabetes and its complications. We examined the prevalence of prediabetes and prediabetes awareness, with corresponding prevalence ratios according to race, ethnicity, and educational attainment. Methods: This study was a pooled cross-sectional analysis of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data from 2011 to March 2020. The final sample comprised 10,262 U.S. adults who self-reported being Asian, Black, Hispanic, or White. Prediabetes was defined using hemoglobin A1c and fasting plasma glucose values. Those with prediabetes were classified as "aware" or "unaware" based on survey responses. We calculated prevalence ratios (PR) to assess the relationship between race, ethnicity, and educational attainment with prediabetes and prediabetes awareness, controlling for sociodemographic, health and healthcare-related, and clinical characteristics. Results: In fully adjusted logistic regression models, Asian, Black, and Hispanic adults had a statistically significant higher risk of prediabetes than White adults (PR:1.26 [1.18,1.35], PR:1.17 [1.08,1.25], and PR:1.10 [1.02,1.19], respectively). Adults completing less than high school and high school had a significantly higher risk of prediabetes compared to those with a college degree (PR:1.14 [1.02,1.26] and PR:1.12 [1.01,1.23], respectively). We also found that Black and Hispanic adults had higher rates of prediabetes awareness in the fully adjusted model than White adults (PR:1.27 [1.07,1.50] and PR:1.33 [1.02,1.72], respectively). The rates of prediabetes awareness were consistently lower among those with less than a high school education relative to individuals who completed college (fully-adjusted model PR:0.66 [0.47,0.92]). Discussion: Disparities in prediabetes among racial and ethnic minority groups and adults with low educational attainment suggest challenges and opportunities for promoting health equity in high-risk groups and expanding awareness of prediabetes in the United States.

"When I Heard the Word Palliative": Obscuring and Clarifying Factors Affecting the Stigma Around Palliative Care Referral in Oncology.

PURPOSE: Palliative care (PC) can help patients with cancer manage symptoms and achieve a greater quality of life. However, there are many barriers to patients with cancer receiving referrals to PC, including the stigmatizing association of PC with end of life. This study explores factors that obscure or clarify the stigma around PC referrals and its associations with end of life in cancer care. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive design using grounded theory components was designed to investigate barriers to PC referrals for patients receiving treatment at an outpatient cancer center. Interviews with patients, caregivers, and oncology professionals were audio-recorded, transcribed, and independently coded by three investigators to ensure rigor. Participants were asked about their perceptions of PC and PC referral experiences. RESULTS: Interviews with 44 participants revealed both obscuring and clarifying factors surrounding the association of PC as end of life. Prognostic uncertainty, confusion about PC's role, and social network influence all perpetuated an inaccurate and stigmatizing association of PC with end of life. Contrarily, familiarity with PC, prognostic confidence, and clear referral communication helped delineate PC as distinct from end of life. CONCLUSION: To reduce the stigmatizing association of PC with end of life, referring clinicians should clearly communicate prognosis, PC's role, and the reason for referral within the context of each patient and his or her unique cancer trajectory. The oncology team plays a vital role in framing the messaging surrounding referrals to PC.

Association between tobacco and alcohol use among hospital inpatients / Associação do uso de álcool e tabaco entre pacientes hospitalizados

We aimed to evaluate concurrent use of alcohol and tobacco among hospitalized patients as well as to compare the use of both substances among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome and those with other diagnoses. A cross-sectional study took place in a hospital in Minas Gerais (Brazil). Structured surveys were used to evaluate tobacco and alcohol use. Data analysis was conducted using descriptive statistics and chi-square test. We interviewed 972 patients, in which 20.3% were hazardous drinkers and 14.9% tobacco users. Almost half of the smokers (47.6%) were hazardous drinkers, while 15.5% of nonsmokers engaged in harmful consumption of alcohol (p < 0.001). Tobacco use was higher among people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus when compared with patients that did not have an Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome diagnosis (32.1% vs 14.4%, p = 0.009). Our findings showed the association of tobacco use and hazardous drinking among hospitalized patients in Brazil and a higher prevalence of tobacco use among patients living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus. These findings can be used to develop smoking cessation interventions that address the comorbidities associated with substance use.

O presente estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a associação do uso de álcool e tabaco entre pacientes internados em um hospital geral e comparar o uso das duas substâncias entre pacientes que vivem com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida e outros diagnósticos. Realizou-se um estudo observacional em um hospital público para avaliação do uso de tais substâncias. Entre 972 pacientes, 20,3% fizeram uso prejudicial de álcool e 14,9% de tabaco. Quase metade dos tabagistas (47,6%) fizeram uso prejudicial do álcool, enquanto 15,5% dos não tabagistas relataram uso excessivo da substância (p < 0,001). A porcentagem de fumantes foi significativamente mais alta no grupo de pacientes que vivem com o Virus da Imunodeficiência Humana do que nos demais diagnósticos (32,1% vs 14,4%, p = 0,009). Percebe-se a associação do uso de tabaco e uso prejudicial de álcool entre pacientes hospitalizados e alta prevalência do uso de tabaco entre pacientes que vivem com o Vírus da Imunodeficiência Humana/Síndrome de Imunodeficiência Adquirida. Esses dados podem direcionar o planejamento de intervenções para cessação do consumo de tabaco que consigam direcionar as comorbidades relacionadas ao uso da substância

Palliative Care's Role Managing Cancer Pain During the Opioid Crisis: A Qualitative Study of Patients, Caregivers, and Clinicians.

CONTEXT: Patients with cancer face symptoms because of disease and treatment, and pain is common and complex. The opioid crisis may complicate patients' and clinicians' experiences of managing pain in cancer care. OBJECTIVES: In our study of perceptions and experiences with palliative care (PC) at an outpatient cancer center, we examined communication around symptom management throughout cancer care, and pain and its management emerged as particularly salient. The objective of this article is to describe, from the perspectives of patients, caregivers, and oncology health care professionals, the role of PC in navigating the complicated dynamics of pain management amidst the opioid crisis. METHODS: A qualitative descriptive study with grounded theory components was designed to investigate experiences with and perceptions of specialist PC and symptom management, including pain. Interviews were audiorecorded and transcribed, and focused coding identified themes related to pain and pain management from all three perspectives. RESULTS: About 44 patients, caregivers, and non-PC health care professionals completed interviews. Patients with cancer and their caregivers had many concerns about pain management and were specifically concerned about opioid use and stigma. For patients, PC improved pain management and helped to destigmatize appropriate pain management. Oncology clinicians reported that partnering with PC facilitated complex pain management and also provided moral support around difficult opioid recommendations for patients. CONCLUSION: PC offers the potential to uniquely support both patients and other oncology professionals in optimally navigating the complexity around pain management for cancer care in the midst of the opioid crisis.

Web-based decision-making tool for smoking cessation (Pare de fumar conosco) among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil : one-arm feasibility study.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility of Pare de fumar conosco, a web-based smoking cessation decision-making tool, among patients with chronic conditions in Brazil. METHODS: We recruited 85 Brazilian smokers in two clinical centres for chronic conditions to complete Pare de fumar conosco. Outcome measures included interest in using smoking cessation resources and self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence 12 weeks following the intervention. RESULTS: The average age of participants was 54.2 years old (SD=10.5) and 77.9% had not completed high school. All participants were daily smokers and the majority smoked ≥11 cigarettes per day (63.5%). Pre-post intervention interest in using pharmacotherapy and group counselling significantly increased (82.4% vs 22.4%, p≤0.0001; and 85.9% vs 21.2%, p≤0.0001, respectively). At 12 weeks, eight participants (9.4%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence using intention-to-treat analysis (35.2% follow-up rate). CONCLUSION: The Pare de fumar conosco smoking cessation web-based tool significantly increased interest in pharmacotherapy and behavioural counselling. Additional testing as a formal randomised clinical trial appears warranted.

The Role of a Symptom Assessment Tool in Shaping Patient-Physician Communication in Palliative Care.

CONTEXT: Patients with cancer experience many symptoms that disrupt quality of life, and symptom communication and management can be challenging. The Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS) was developed to standardize assessment and documentation of symptoms, yet research is needed to understand patients' and caregivers' experiences using the tool and its ability to impact patient-provider aligned care. OBJECTIVES: The objective of this study was to understand how the ESAS shapes communication between patients and providers by exploring patients' and caregivers' experiences using the ESAS and assessing the level of agreement in symptom assessment between patients and palliative care physicians. METHODS: This study used a mixed-methods design. Thirty-one semistructured interviews were conducted and audio-recorded with patients (n = 18) and caregivers (n = 13). Data were analyzed following a social constructionist grounded theory approach. Patient and provider ESAS scores were obtained by medical chart review. Intraclass correlation coefficients were used to assess the level of agreement between patient-completed ESAS scores and provider-completed ESAS scores. RESULTS: Participants reported that the ESAS was a beneficial tool in establishing priorities for symptom control and guiding the appointment with the palliative care physician, despite challenges in completing the ESAS. Filling out the ESAS can also help patients more clearly identify their priorities before meeting with their physician. There was a good to excellent level of agreement between patients and physicians in all symptoms analyzed. CONCLUSION: The ESAS is beneficial in enhancing symptom communication when used as a guide to identify and understand patients' main concerns.

"Vive Sin Tabaco ¡Decídete!" Feasibility and Acceptability of an e-Health Smoking Cessation Informed Decision-Making Tool Integrated in Primary Healthcare in Mexico.

Introduction:While smoking remains one of the leading causes of death in Mexico, uptake of evidence-based cessation therapy remains low. Widespread use of mobile devices and internet in Mexico has created new avenues for providing access to cessation treatment.Methods:We assessed the feasibility and acceptability of "Vive Sin Tabaco… ¡Decídete!" (English: Live without Tobacco…. Decide!), a web-based, informed decision-making tool designed to help Mexican smokers develop a quit plan and take advantage of cessation resources. We invited 164 smokers in two primary care clinics. Measures included physical, situational, and psychological nicotine dependence, interest in using pharmacotherapy and counseling, smoking status at 3 months, and satisfaction with the program.Results:Most participants were light smokers and reported low-to-moderate nicotine dependence. Immediately after using ¡Vive Sin Tabaco… ¡Decídete!, the majority were interested in quitting, set a quit date, and reported interest in using pharmacotherapy and cessation counseling. Follow-up rate at 3 months was 81.5%; seven-day point prevalence abstinence was 19.1% using intention-to-treat analysis.Conclusion:Integration of e-Health tools in primary healthcare settings has the potential to improve knowledge about cessation treatments among smokers and integrate smoking cessation into routine of care.

Uso de mensagens de celular para cessação do tabagismo: revisão sistemática / Use of cell phone messages for smoking cessation: a systematic review / Uso de mensajes de móvil para dejar de fumar: una revisión sistemática

Formas inovadoras de tecnologias de comunicação, como a internet e o uso de celular, são cada vez mais utilizadas para ajudar fumantes a parar de fumar. O objetivo deste trabalho foi realizar uma revisão sistemática sobre o uso de mensagens de celular como forma de intervenção para pessoas que desejam parar de fumar. Pesquisas foram conduzidas nas bases de dados PubMed, Psychinfo, Scielo e Pepsic. Palavras-chave incluíram: ["tobacco use cessation" OR"tobacco use disorder"] AND ["intervention studies" OR "clinical trial" OR "evaluation studies"] AND ["text messaging"]. Os critérios de seleção dos estudos foram: 1) abordarem o tema mensagens de texto de celular para o tratamento do tabagismo; 2) ser um estudo clínico; 3) artigos científicos com textos completos disponíveis em bases de dados e 4) estar nos idiomas português, espanhol ou inglês. Entre os 23 estudos encontrados, sete preencheram os critérios de inclusão. Em seis dos sete estudos encontrados o envio de mensagens de celular foi a intervenção mais eficaz. Intervenções baseadas no envio de mensagens de celular são uma estratégia complementar ao tratamento do tabagismo que podem contribuir para a cessação tabágica. A inclusão de apenas três idiomas foi uma limitação dessa revisão

Innovative forms of communication technologies such as Internet and mobile phone are increasingly being used to provide information and support to smokers who want to quit. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review about the use of mobile text messaging as an intervention for people who want to quit smoking and the possible effects of this intervention on tobacco control. Searches were conducted on PubMed, PsycInfo, Scielo and Pepsic. Search terms included: ["tobacco use cessation" OR "tobacco use disorder"] AND ["interventions studies" OR "clinical trial" OR "evaluation studies"] AND ["text messaging"]. The selection criteria were: 1) addressing the subject of mobile text messages for smoking treatment; 2) being a clinical trial; 3) scientific articles with full text available in databases and 4) being in Portuguese, Spanish or English. Among the 23 studies found, 7 met the inclusion criteria. In 6 of the 7 studies found, sending mobile messages was the most effective intervention. Interventions based on mobile text message can become an important tool to increase prevalence of smoking cessation. The inclusion of only three languages was a limitation of this review

Formas innovadoras de tecnologías de la comunicación, como Internet y el uso del teléfono móvil, se utilizan cada vez más para ayudar a los fumadores a dejar de fumar. El objetivo fue realizar una revisión sistemática el uso de envío de mensajes de textos como una intervención para las personas que desean dejar de fumar. Se realizaron encuestas en las bases de datos PubMed, PsychINFO, Scielo y Pepsic. Palabras clave incluyen: ["tobacco use cessation" OR "tobacco use disorder"] AND ["intervention studies" OR"clinical trial" OR "evaluation studies"] AND ["text messaging"]. Los criterios de selección del estudio fueron: 1) abordar el tema de los mensajes de texto móviles para el tratamiento del tabaquismo; 2) ser un estudio clínico; 3) artículos científicos con texto completo disponible en las bases de datos y 4) estar en los idiomas: portugués, español o inglés. Entre los 23 estudios encontrados, siete cumplieron los criterios de inclusión. En 6 de los 7 estudios encontrados envío de mensajes móviles fue la intervención más eficaz. Intervenciones basadas en el envío de mensajes móviles son una estrategia complementaria para el tratamiento del tabaquismo que puede contribuir a dejar de fumar. La inclusión de sólo tres idiomas fue una limitación de esta revisión.

Prevalence and correlates of light and non-daily smoking in Brazil: Results from a nationwide representative survey.

BACKGROUND: The research of light (≤10 cigarettes per day) and non-daily smokers in developing countries including Brazil is scarce despite the high prevalence of these groups among smokers and health risks associated to low-level smoking. OBJECTIVE: To describe health and smoking characteristics of Brazilian adult light and non-daily smokers. METHODS: We analyzed data from the 2013 Brazilian National Health Research survey (n=48,282). RESULTS: The prevalence of current manufactured cigarette smoking in the total sample was 12.4%. Among these smokers, 12.8% were non-daily smokers (NDS), 47.4% were light smokers (LS) and 39.8% were moderate/heavy smokers (MHS). Bivariate analysis showed that non-daily smoking was associated with higher odds of poor self-rated health, binge drinking and lung diseases compared to never smokers (ORs=1.2; 5.9 and 1.9). Light smoking was associated with higher odds of poor self-rated health, binge drinking, depression, use of sleeping pills and lung diseases (ORs=1.3; 4.3; 1.4; 1.2 and 2.0). After controlling for sex and age, non-daily smoking was associated with lung disease (OR=2.2) and light smoking with depression and lung diseases (ORs=1.3 and 1.8). Smoking levels were associated with living with same-level smokers in bivariate and multivariate analyses. CONCLUSION: A large proportion of smokers in Brazil are light and non-daily smokers, carrying substantial health risks related to tobacco use. Longitudinal research is needed to provide further evidence of associations found in this study. Public health policies must take the different smoking patterns into consideration to effectively target all smokers and reduce the harmful consequences of tobacco worldwide.

A review of smartphone apps for smoking cessation available in Portuguese. / Revisão dos aplicativos de smartphones para cessação do tabagismo disponíveis em língua portuguesa.

Smartphone apps are being developed as a complement to smoking cessation treatment. The current study aimed to analyze the content of available apps in Portuguese in two operational systems, Android and iOS. Fifty-one apps were found in iTunes and 600 in Google Play. Content evaluation included apps that focused on smoking cessation, with a total of 12 apps in iOS and 3 in Android. Each app was categorized according to its approach to smoking cessation and scored according to level of adherence to the Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence smoking cessation treatment guideline. Nine apps were classified as calendars, 8 as information tools, 6 as calculators, 3 as cigarette trackers, and 1 as hypnosis. The apps showed low level of adherence to the guideline, with a mean score of 12.8. We recommend that the available apps be revised and that future apps be developed using evidence-based practices for smoking cessation.

Revisão dos aplicativos de smartphones para cessação do tabagismo disponíveis em língua portuguesa / Revisión de aplicaciones de smartphones para dejar de fumar en portugués / A review of smartphone apps for smoking cessation available in Portuguese

Resumo: Aplicativos de smartphones estão sendo desenvolvidos como uma forma complementar ao tratamento do tabagismo. O presente estudo teve como objetivo analisar o conteúdo de aplicativos disponíveis na língua portuguesa em dois sistemas operacionais: Android e iOS. Cinquenta e um aplicativos foram encontrados no iTunes e 600 no Google Play. Foram incluídos na avaliação do conteúdo aqueles aplicativos que tivessem como foco a cessação do tabagismo, com um total de 12 no iOS e 3 no Android. Cada aplicativo foi categorizado por meio da sua abordagem na cessação de tabagismo e pontuado de acordo com o seu nível de aderência às diretrizes de tratamento de tabagismo do Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Em relação às categorias, 9 foram classificados como calendário, 8 como informativo, 6 como calculadora, 3 como medidor de cigarros fumados e 1 como hipnose. Os aplicativos apresentaram baixo nível de aderência às diretrizes, com uma média de 12,8. Recomenda-se que os aplicativos disponíveis sejam revisados e que futuros aplicativos sejam desenvolvidos utilizando práticas baseadas em evidência para a cessação do tabagismo.

Resumen: Aplicaciones para smartphones se están desarrollando como un complemento al tratamiento del tabaquismo. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar el contenido de aplicaciones disponibles en el idioma portugués en dos sistemas operativos: Android y iOS. Cincuenta y un aplicaciones fueron encuentradas en iTunes y 600 en Google Play. Se incluyeron en la evaluación las aplicaciones que se han centrado en dejar de fumar, con un total de 12 en iOS y 3 en Android. Se clasificó cada aplicación de acuerdo a su enfoque para el abandono del hábito de fumar y se anotó de acuerdo con el nivel de adherencia a la guía de tratamiento del Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence. Nueve aplicaciones se clasificaron como calendarios, 8 como herramientas de información, 6 como calculadoras, 3 como seguidores de cigarrillos y 1 como hipnosis. Las aplicaciones mostraron un bajo nivel de adherencia a la guía de tratamiento, con una puntuación media de 12,8. Recomendamos que se revisen las aplicaciones disponibles y que las aplicaciones futuras se desarrollen utilizando prácticas basadas en la evidencia para dejar de fumar.

Abstract: Smartphone apps are being developed as a complement to smoking cessation treatment. The current study aimed to analyze the content of available apps in Portuguese in two operational systems, Android and iOS. Fifty-one apps were found in iTunes and 600 in Google Play. Content evaluation included apps that focused on smoking cessation, with a total of 12 apps in iOS and 3 in Android. Each app was categorized according to its approach to smoking cessation and scored according to level of adherence to the Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence smoking cessation treatment guideline. Nine apps were classified as calendars, 8 as information tools, 6 as calculators, 3 as cigarette trackers, and 1 as hypnosis. The apps showed low level of adherence to the guideline, with a mean score of 12.8. We recommend that the available apps be revised and that future apps be developed using evidence-based practices for smoking cessation.

Intervenções de Cessação de Tabagismo em Fumantes Leves: uma Revisão Sistemática / Smoking Cessation Interventions in Light Smokers: a systematic review

Apesar da diminuição da prevalência de fumantes, o número de tabagistas de baixo consumo de cigarro tem aumentado, comumente denominados de fumantes leves ou intermitentes. É sabido que qualquer quantidade de consumo de tabaco pode trazer danos à saúde. A pesquisa sobre essa população é escassa e pouco se sabe sobre intervenções de cessação de tabagismo direcionadas a esses grupos. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática a fim de descrever estudos que apresentam intervenções para fumantes leves e intermitentes. As pesquisas foram conduzidas nas bases de dados PubMed, PsycInfo, SciELO e Pepsic. Palavras-chave incluíram: [light smoker, non-daily smoker, intermittent smoker; social smoking, occasional smoking, low-level smoking] AND [intervention studies, clinical trial and evaluation studies] AND [tobacco use cessation, tobacco use disorder]. Nove artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados. Os resultados apontaram que intervenções bem-sucedidas incluíram aconselhamento e uso de medicamentos, tais como intervenção breve, tratamento de reposição de nicotina, Vareniclina, educação em saúde, entre outros. No entanto, intervenções ainda estão em estágio inicial. Destaca-se a necessidade de mais investigações sobre intervenções específicas para fumantes de baixo consumo, desenvolvimento de escalas de dependência exclusivas para esse grupo e estudos epidemiológicos para compreender quem são os fumantes leves e intermitentes, especialmente no Brasil

Smokers Show Lower Levels of Psychological Well-Being and Mindfulness than Non-Smokers.

Mindfulness is defined as "paying attention in a particular way, on purpose, in the present moment, and nonjudgmentally". Mindfulness is associated with positive affect, life satisfaction, self-esteem, lower negative affect and rumination. Conversely, evidence suggests a relationship between nicotine dependence and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to compare the levels of Mindfulness and Subjective Well-Being (SWB) between smokers and non-smokers. Ninety seven smokers and eighty four non-smokers participated in the study (n = 181). The Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire (FFMQ-BR) and the Subjective Well-Being Scale (SWBS) were used. In all the factors of SWBS, the total scores in the FFMQ-BR and in the facets of Observing and Non-Reactivity, the non-smokers scored higher than the smokers. This study suggests that smokers present lower levels of Mindfulness and SWB than non-smokers. Consequently, we propose that Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) may help smokers deal with treatment and abstinence by increasing their level of SWB.

Intervenções de cessação de tabagismo em fumantes leves: uma revisão sistemática / Smoking cessation interventions in light smokers: a systematic review

Apesar da diminuição da prevalência de fumantes, o número de tabagistas de baixo consumo de cigarro tem aumentado, comumente denominados de fumantes leves ou intermitentes. É sabido que qualquer quantidade de consumo de tabaco pode trazer danos à saúde. A pesquisa sobre essa população é escassa e pouco se sabe sobre intervenções de cessação de tabagismo direcionadas a esses grupos. Dessa forma, o objetivo do presente estudo foi realizar uma revisão sistemática a fim de descrever estudos que apresentam intervenções para fumantes leves e intermitentes. As pesquisas foram conduzidas nas bases de dados PubMed, PsycInfo, SciELO e Pepsic. Palavras-chave incluíram: [light smoker, non-daily smoker, intermittent smoker; social smoking, occasional smoking, low-level smoking] AND [intervention studies, clinical trial and evaluation studies] AND [tobacco use cessation, tobacco use disorder]. Nove artigos preencheram os critérios de inclusão e foram analisados. Os resultados apontaram que intervenções bem-sucedidas incluíram aconselhamento e uso de medicamentos, tais como intervenção breve, tratamento de reposição de nicotina, Vareniclina, educação em saúde, entre outros. No entanto, intervenções ainda estão em estágio inicial. Destaca-se a necessidade de mais investigações sobre intervenções específicas para fumantes de baixo consumo, desenvolvimento de escalas de dependência exclusivas para esse grupo e estudos epidemiológicos para compreender quem são os fumantes leves e intermitentes, especialmente no Brasil

Despite decreases in the prevalence of smoking, the number of low-rate smokers – commonly called light or intermittent smokers – is increasing. Any dose of tobacco can be hazardous to health. Research about this population is scarce and little is known about tobacco cessation interventions that focus on these groups. The aim of the present paper is to conduct a systematic review to describe research on interventions for light and intermittent smokers. Searches were conducted in PubMed, PsycInfo, SciELO and Pepsic. Search terms included: [light smoker, non-daily smoker, intermittent smoker; social smoking, occasional smoking, low-level smoking] AND [intervention studies, clinical trial and evaluation studies] AND [tobacco use cessation, tobacco use disorder]. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. Successful interventions included counseling and pharmacotherapy such as brief intervention, health education, nicotine replacement, and varenicline. Interventions for light smokers are in the early stages of development. Future studies should test interventions specifically designed for low-rate smokers, develop dependence scales designed for low-rate smokers, and pursue epidemiologic studies to better profile light and intermittent smokers, especially in Brazil.