INTRODUCTIONWe hypothesize that the predictors of smoking cessation in the medium-term are not the same as in the long-term of follow-up. The aim of this study was to identify predictors for smoking cessation (continuous abstinence) and determine if these are maintained over time.METHODSThis is an observational longitudinal (prospective cohort) multicenter study conducted in daily clinical practice in Spain. Patients were consecutively enrolled as they attended consultations, and all patients followed for 12 months. To identify predictors of smoking cessation (at 24 and 52 weeks post-cessation) we have collected sociodemographic and clinical data, smoking consumption characteristics, and psychological and physical dependence variables. Multivariate logistic regression models were fitted. The analysis was by intention to treat.RESULTSA total of 337 participants were considered for the study. Predictors of smoking cessation at 24 weeks were baseline weight (AOR=1.02; 95% CI: 1–1.03), not having made a previous quit attempt (AOR=2.72; 95% CI: 1.44–5.15), lower sedation levels on the psychological dependence test (AOR=1.78; 95% CI: 1.06–2.97), and adherence to treatment (AOR=8.03; 95% CI: 3.85–16.73). At 52 weeks, predictors of smoking cessation were being male (AOR=2.38; 95% CI: 1.35–4.18), low self-efficacy (AOR=2.60; 95% CI: 1.36–5.00), not having made a previous quit attempt (AOR=5.06; 95% CI: 2.20–11.66), lower sedation levels on the psychological dependence test (AOR=1.96; 95% CI: 1.13–3.40), and adherence to treatment (AOR=12.03; 95% CI: 4.14–34.94). These last three predictors were those that were maintained between 24 and 52 weeks of follow-up.CONCLUSIONSNot having previous attempts to quit smoking, lower sedation levels in the psychological dependence test, and having greater adherence to treatment have been maintained as predictors of quitting over time.

INTRODUCTIONThis study aimed to navigate the relationship between cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption, sleeping disorder, mental health and hearing loss in stroke patients.METHODSThis was a cross-sectional study that involved 1040 male and female patients aged 25–65 years. The research utilized physical examinations, radiological assessments, biochemical tests, and pure-tone audiometry (PTA) to evaluate hearing function.RESULTSAmong the 1040 stroke patients, 219 cigarette smokers (21.6%) were found to have hearing loss. Remarkable dissimilarities were observed in three categories: cigarette smokers with hearing loss, cigarette smokers without hearing loss, and non-smokers without hearing loss. These differences were noted in BMI (p<0.001), physical activity (p=0.002), hypertension (p<0.001), MP3 use (p<0.001), tinnitus (p<0.001), vertigo (p<0.001), dizziness (p<0.001), and headaches/migraines (p<0.001). Similarly, significant differences were identified among cigarette smokers with hearing loss, cigarette smokers without hearing loss, and non-smokers in relation to age (p<0.001), BMI (p<0.001), MP3 use (p=0.004), hypertension (p=0.028), ATP III metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), IDF metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), tinnitus (p<0.001), vertigo (p<0.001), dizziness (p=0.012), headaches/migraines (p<0.001), vitamin D (p<0.001), calcium (p<0.001), magnesium (p<0.001), potassium (p=0.019), fasting glucose (p<0.001), hemoglobin A1c (p<0.001), high blood pressure (p<0.001), microalbuminuria (p<0.001), and sleepiness (p=0.014). Multivariate stepwise regression analysis of cigarette smokers among stroke patients showed that vertigo (p<0.001), obesity (p<0.001), vitamin D deficiency (p<0.001), ATP III metabolic syndrome (p<0.001), IDF metabolic syndrome (p=0.004), calcium levels (p=0.008), headaches/migraines (p=0.039), and hypertension (p=0.025) could predict hearing loss.CONCLUSIONSThis study puts forward that smoking cigarettes along with factors like hypertension, obesity, vitamin D deficiency, and sleepiness, serve as notable danger element for loosing hearing ability among stroke patients. There is increasing evidence linking cigarette tobacco smoking to lung cancer and various adverse health effects.

INTRODUCTIONDespite national and state policy interventions and public health efforts in tobacco control, tobacco use remains the leading cause of preventable death, disease, and disability in the United States. Point-of-sale marketing in the retail environment significantly contributes to tobacco initiation and use among youth and adults, particularly in communities with lower income. The aim of the study was to assess the retail landscape and marketing practices for tobacco products by location and retail store environment.METHODSThis cross-sectional study examined the retail landscape and marketing practices of tobacco products among a random sample of licensed retailers in the District of Columbia (DC) (n=264) from June 2024 to April 2025, including product availability, promotion, price, and placement. Predictors of marketing practices were evaluated by geographical location and store type for flavored and non-flavored products including cigarettes, cigarillos, cigars, chew/snuff/loose tobacco, e-cigarettes, and hookah. Data were collected using an adapted version of the Standardized Tobacco Assessment for Retail Settings (STARS) instrument.RESULTSThe most available products were cigarillos (80%, n=215), cigarettes (78%, n=206), and chew/snuff/loose tobacco (67%, n=176). Convenience stores were more likely to have price promotions [χ2(2, N=264)=13.4, p<0.01], tobacco products placed <12 inches of toys, candy, or gum [χ2(2, N=264)=16, p<0.001], and tobacco products advertised on the store exterior [χ2(2, N=264)=24.9, p<0.001] compared to all other store types. Lower income communities also had a higher frequency of price promotions [χ2(7, N=264)=34.99, p<0.001], products placed within 12 inches of toys, candy, or gum, [χ2(7, N=264)=41.28, p<0.001] and tobacco products advertised on the store exterior. We found significantly more types of marketing in lower income communities, particularly for cigarillos, which were disproportionately available, marketed, and lower priced.CONCLUSIONSThere are differences in the way tobacco products are marketed and promoted across DC based on store type and location. Youth and adults in communities with lower income are at increased risk of being exposed to tobacco products and marketing. Additional studies examining restrictions on point-of-sale marketing practices, particularly price promotions, are important to complement regulatory interventions and policies.

INTRODUCTIONTobacco use is a global epidemic, with two out of three smokers trying to quit. In Oman, little progress has been made in implementing the WHO FCTC best practice recommendations. This study aims to examine the determinants of quit attempts among tobacco users in Oman.METHODSA cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the STEPS, Oman, 2017. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed initially. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between quit advice and quit attempt (the primary outcome of interest), after adjustments for possible confounders.RESULTSQuit attempts were significantly higher among tobacco users with higher level of education (AOR=3.35; 95% CI: 1.67–6.72, p<0.0001), older age groups (AOR=1.77; 95% CI 1.00–3.13, p=0.048), and higher income groups (AOR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.24–3.93, p=0.007), compared to their counterparts. After adjusting for possible confounders, receiving advice from a healthcare worker to quit tobacco products was associated with a 3.13 times higher likelihood of attempting to quit (AOR=3.13; 95% CI: 1.46–6.71, p=0.003). Participants who had seen a health warning on television were 2.06 times more likely to attempt to quit compared to those who did not see one (AOR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.02–4.12, p<0.043).CONCLUSIONSThis study indicates a socioeconomic disparity in quit attempts, with higher rates observed among older adults, individuals with higher level of education, employed individuals, and those with higher monthly income. Quit advice provided by healthcare professionals was significantly associated with more quit attempts. These results highlight the importance of national-level coordination and monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of tobacco cessation program as part of comprehensive multi-sectoral tobacco control efforts. Further research is warranted to explore the broader determinants of quit attempts in Oman.

INTRODUCTIONTobacco product marketing uses flavors to influence consumer perceptions, especially among youth and young adults. In Georgia, where tobacco use is among the highest in the WHO European Region, flavored products are widely available and unregulated. Limited data exist on young adults’ perceptions of flavored versus unflavored products.METHODSThis study aimed to assess how young adults in Georgia perceive flavored versus unflavored tobacco products in terms of harm, addictiveness, and social acceptability, and how these perceptions relate to their use intentions. A cross-sectional online survey (April–June 2024) included 400 participants aged 18–25 years measured perceptions on a 1–7 scale for flavored and unflavored cigarettes, e-cigarettes, and heated tobacco products. Perceptions were categorized as less, equal, or more harmful/addictive/acceptable. Multivariable logistic regression examined associations between these perceptions and past-month use and use intentions.RESULTSMost participants perceived flavored and unflavored products similarly, but perceptions varied across product types. Flavored e-cigarettes were most often rated as more acceptable (13%) and addictive (12.5%) compared to unflavored e-cigarettes – more frequently than flavored cigarettes (9.5% acceptable, 7.5% addictive) or flavored HTPs (7% acceptable, 9.8% addictive) when compared to their unflavored counterparts. Perceiving flavored products as more harmful to self was associated with lower past-month cigarette use (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=0.18; 95% CI: 0.08–0.40), while perceiving flavored products as more addictive was associated with higher e-cigarette use (AOR=2.78; 95% CI: 1.06–7.28). Among non-past-month users, higher perceived harm to others was associated with lower intention to use flavored cigarettes (AOR=0.040; 95% CI: 0.003–0.622).CONCLUSIONSAlthough most participants perceived flavored and unflavored products similarly, small differences in some perceptions contributed to differences in certain use behaviors, supporting stronger regulation of flavored products in Georgia. However, as this is a cross-sectional study, further prospective research is needed to confirm these findings and guide policy.

INTRODUCTIONCue-Restricted Smoking (CRS) is a behavioral technique for smoking cessation that has shown efficacy as an adjunct to pharmacotherapy. In CRS, individuals limit smoking to a standing position while facing a wall in an isolated environment devoid of sensory stimulation. This study aimed to assess the potential impact of CRS in a randomized trial evaluating deep transcranial magnetic stimulation (dTMS), which failed to show significant treatment effects.METHODSIn a randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trial evaluating dTMS for smoking cessation, 100 participants were instructed to quit smoking by the end of week 1. None achieved cessation. Only 85 participants remained in the protocol beyond week 1 and received guidance to implement CRS during cravings. Cigarette consumption was monitored through self-report, exhaled carbon monoxide (COex), and plasma cotinine levels. Participants were categorized as: no reduction, additional reduction, or cessation. Joinpoint regression was used to assess longitudinal trends.RESULTSThe 85 participants (68% male; mean age 49 ± 11.6 years) reported a mean of 31 ± 11.2 years of smoking. Beyond week one, 33% had not reduced their consumption, 8% showed a mild reduction, 43% a moderate reduction, and 15% a significant reduction; none achieved cessation. After CRS, 40% (95% CI: 29.5–51.2) reported further reduction, and 16.5% (95% CI: 9.3–26.1) achieved verified cessation by week 12. Joinpoint analysis confirmed significant decreasing trends in cigarette use and COex among the significant reduction and cessation groups.CONCLUSIONSCRS was associated with clinically meaningful reductions in smoking and biochemically confirmed cessation. It is a low-cost, scalable technique that does not require intensive training or pharmacotherapy. This approach may be advantageous in low-resource settings. It warrants evaluation in larger randomized trials across diverse populations.CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATIONThe study is registered on the official website of ClinicalTrials.govIDENTIFIERID NCT03264313

INTRODUCTIONDespite the lack of evidence supporting an association between certain cigarette design features (e.g. filter ventilation) and harm reduction, such features often perpetuate false perceptions of safety among people who smoke. Evaluating how product characteristics shape perceptions and behaviors can help clarify these misconceptions and support the importance of restricting deceptive manufacturing. We explore relationships between cigarette design features and perceptions of smoothness and harm, as well as intention to quit.METHODSCigarette brand/variety and consumer perceptions/behaviors data come from the 2019 ITC France Survey, which was administered to a nationally representative sample of French adults. This cross-sectional secondary analysis incorporated cigarette product information reported to the Agency for Food, Environmental and Occupational Health & Safety in 2021. Logistic regression analyses were done using SPSS V27.RESULTSGreater own brand cigarette filter length (mm) (adjusted odds ratio, AOR=1.11; 95% CI: 1.05–1.17) was significantly associated with higher odds of perceiving one’s own brand as smoother than other brands, while greater open pressure drop (mmWG) (AOR=1.02; 95% CI: 1.00–1.05) was associated with perceiving own-brand as safer than other brands. Respondents who described themselves as being in poor or fair health (vs good health) were more likely to perceive smooth/ultra (AOR=1.70; 95% CI: 1.22–2.37) and their own cigarettes (AOR=1.76; 95% CI: 1.05–2.95) as less harmful, as well as less likely to perceive their own brand as smoother (AOR=0.66; 95% CI: 0.47–0.93). Male (vs female) respondents were more likely to perceive smooth/ultra (AOR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.38–2.55) and their own cigarettes (AOR=1.89; 95% CI: 1.12–3.19) as less harmful.CONCLUSIONSWe found evidence that certain design features and participant characteristics are associated with misconceptions regarding the smoothness and safety of cigarettes. These findings support greater monitoring of potentially deceptive product characteristics.

The UK Tobacco Industry Interference Index (UKTI) is part of the Global Tobacco Industry Interference Index (GTI). Based on a survey methodology developed by the Southeast Asia Tobacco Control Alliance (SEATCA), and published by the Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC), the GTI is a global survey on how governments respond to tobacco industry interference and to what extent they protect their public health policies from the commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry, as required under the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (WHO FCTC). Since the first GTI in 2019, the UKTI has been compiled by the Tobacco Control Research Group (TCRG) at the University of Bath. The latest UKTI, the fourth in the series, was published in November 2023. Monitoring, investigating and reporting on industry interference is complex, with large volumes of publicly available information found in multiple locations and formats. These include government sources such as lobbying registers, Hansard reports and registers of interests; tobacco industry sources such as company reports, websites and press releases; and external media including the industry and retail press. TCRG has implemented some innovative methods using a wide range of tools and resources, including open-source intelligence techniques (OSINT) and freedom of information requests (FOIs). These methods are outlined and critically assessed in this article. In doing so, we hope that lessons learned in the UK may be relevant to monitoring of tobacco industry interference elsewhere.

INTRODUCTIONWe have developed the ‘Two Weeks to Quit’ (TWTQ) program, a self-help smoking cessation toolkit. Self-help programs represent a cost-effective and accessible option for successful smoking cessation. TWTQ includes a two-week preparation phase leading up to a quit-smoking date at the end of week two and a four-week period focused on maintaining a smoke-free status. The objective was to assess its effectiveness.METHODSThis prospective observational study, conducted without a control group, evaluated the TWTQ program among smokers aged 18–60 years in Paris, France, between February 2023 and April 2024. Participants were recruited via pharmacies, social media platforms, and through outreach to the general population. Program adherence was monitored weekly by email. The primary outcome was smoking cessation, assessed at the end of the program using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence and a self-reported smoking status question, corresponding to one month after the theoretical quit date.RESULTSOf the 97 participants enrolled, 47 completed the program. At six weeks, 57.4% reported smoking cessation, all on the scheduled quit date. At five months, 40.4% of these participants remained abstinent, with an intent-to-treat abstinence rate of 19.6%. The mean Fagerström score decreased significantly from 4 to 0.87 at six weeks (p<0.001), with sustained reductions at two and five months. Adherence to the step order, pacing, and older age significantly predicted short-term cessation. In contrast, no factor predicted abstinence at five months, and greater use of customizable tools was unexpectedly associated with higher relapse risk.CONCLUSIONSTWTQ demonstrates potential benefits as a structured self-help program for smoking cessation and tobacco consumption reduction, with sustained effects. Results underscore the need to evaluate both engagement and effectiveness in large-scale campaigns like ‘Stoptober’.