Abstract
BackgroundSmokers who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking may benefit from using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for harm reduction. This may include the partial or complete substitution of cigarettes with NRT. A taxonomy of the characteristics of those using NRT for harm reduction would be helpful in tailoring advice and treatment. Although attempts to categorize those using NRT for harm reduction have been made, these have largely been based on quantitative data. In order to provide further in-depth exploration of views, beliefs and experiences, the current study probed issues surrounding NRT and harm reduction qualitatively to better understand barriers and facilitators to this approach.MethodsThree groups of participants (n = 15) were recruited from a student sample: current smokers with a history of NRT use, smokers without a history of NRT use, and ex-smokers with a history of NRT use. Participants were asked about their demographic characteristics, smoking behaviours, intention and perceived ability to quit smoking, awareness and use of NRT, beliefs about the health consequences of using NRT, and the safety and efficacy of NRT, using semi-structured telephone interviews.ResultsTwenty-four themes were identified; these themes were clustered into three main issues of cross-cutting themes: attitudes towards smoking and motivation to quit; smoking reduction and quit attempts; and beliefs, use and concerns about NRT. Those with a history of NRT use were more motivated and engaged with the quitting process than non-users. However, irrespective of smoking status and past NRT use, all participants showed misperceptions about NRT, such as the health consequences associated with NRT use.ConclusionsNRT users are more motivated to quit smoking than non-users and are more likely to employ techniques to assist their cessation attempts. The majority of smokers have misperceptions regarding the safety and efficacy of NRT which may act as a barrier to its usage.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2458-14-1311) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking may benefit from using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for harm reduction
This study attempts to determine the characteristics of NRT users and to identify the barriers and facilitators of NRT use for harm reduction
This study reveals that the use of NRT is characterized by individuals who are motivated to quit and willing to engage in the process of quitting by employing medical and non-medical aids to assist their quit attempts
Summary
Smokers who are unwilling or unable to quit smoking may benefit from using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for harm reduction. This may include the partial or complete substitution of cigarettes with NRT. Harm reduction aims to lessen the negative effects from smoking without complete cessation [1] This can be done in a number of ways, including the partial or complete substitution of cigarettes with safer nicotine replacement therapy products (NRT). Substantial evidence supports the use of harm reduction In both clinical trials and population-based studies, the partial substitution of cigarettes with NRT increases smokers’ propensity to stop smoking and in certain circumstances results in significant reductions in cigarette consumption (which may be associated with reduced immediate harm) [1,2]. Studies have demonstrated that the long-term use of NRT following smoking cessation helps to prevent relapse to smoking [3]
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