Cessation Attempts Research Articles

Tobacco Use and Cessation among a Nationally Representative Sample of Men in India, 2019-2021.

Tobacco users are exposed to a higher risk of noncommunicable diseases, leading to premature mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs). The future prediction indicates that tobacco-related mortality and morbidity rates will substantially increase in coming years. The study is aimed at assessing the prevalence of tobacco consumption and cessation attempts for different tobacco products among adult men in India. The study utilized information from India's latest National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5) data which was conducted during 2019-21, including 988,713 adult men aged 15 years and above and 93,144 men aged 15-49. Results suggest that 38 percent of men consume tobacco, including 29% in urban and 43% in rural areas. Among the men aged 35-49 years, the odds were significantly higher for consuming any form of tobacco (AOR: 7.36, CI: 6.72-8.05), smoking cigarettes (AOR: 2.56, CI: 2.23-2.94), and smoking bidi (AOR: 7.12, CI: 4.75-8.82) as compared to those aged 15-19. The application of multilevel model indicates that tobacco usages are not evenly distributed. In addition, there is maximum clustering of tobacco usages found around household level factors. Further, 30% of men aged 35-49 years attempted to stop consuming tobacco. Though 27% of men tried to quit tobacco in the last 12 months and 69% of men are exposed to secondhand smoke, 51% of men who received advice for quitting tobacco and visited the hospital in the last 12 months belong to the lowest wealth quintile. These findings prioritize promoting awareness about adverse effects of tobacco use, especially in rural areas, and capacitate them to adopt cessation efforts so that those who want to quit may be successful in their efforts. In addition, the health system's response to the tobacco epidemic in the country should be strengthened by training of service providers to promote cessation efforts through appropriate counselling of all the patients visiting them in the context of tobacco use in any form as key drivers of the increasing burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) in the country.

Smoking Behavior and Smoking Cessation Because of and during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Brief Online Survey 12 Months into the Pandemic and during the Second Wave in Europe.

Smoking is considered a major preventable cause of cardiovascular and lung diseases, as well as cancer. During the COVID-19 pandemic, there was extensive discussion about the influence of nicotine use; ultimately, smoking was considered a major risk factor for poor disease progression. Therefore, in April 2021, we conducted an anonymous cross-sectional online survey on smoking and vaping behavior, as well as smoking cessation, in four different countries in Europe (the United Kingdom, Germany, Spain, and Italy). A total of 3605 participants completed a questionnaire on their smoking and vaping behaviors and smoking cessation because of and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of COVID-19 infection, a high percentage of quarantine stays (44.9% Italy and 52.1% Spain), and high infection (75.5% Italy and 52.4% Spain) and death (42% Italy) rates in respondents' personal circles were observed mostly in the surveyed populations of Italy and Spain. Smoking cessation attempts and success were mainly seen in the Italian population and were linked to psychological distress, while the same effects were shown for vaping in Spain. In summary, health anxiety was detected in all cohorts. Despite these findings, smoking as a risk factor for severe outcomes of COVID-19 infection did not lead to a higher rate of smoking cessation attempts.

E-cigarette Use Patterns, Flavors, and Device Characteristics Associated With Quitting Smoking Among a U.S. sample of Adults Using E-cigarettes in a Smoking Cessation Attempt.

Many adults who smoke cigarettes use e-cigarettes to try to quit smoking; however, some are not successful. Identifying factors that are associated with successfully quitting smoking using e-cigarettes is important for maximizing cigarette cessation. Online survey data were collected in 2021 from 857 adults in the United States who reported using e-cigarettes in a recent attempt to quit smoking. Survey items assessed patterns of e-cigarette use and device characteristics (flavors, device, and nicotine) used when trying to quit smoking. Multivariable linear regression models examined characteristics associated with the longest duration of smoking abstinence when using e-cigarettes to try to quit. The average duration of smoking abstinence when using e-cigarettes during a quit attempt was 65 days (SD = 104). In the multivariable model, greater frequency of e-cigarette use when quitting and abruptly switching to e-cigarettes from cigarettes (vs. gradually reducing) were significantly associated with longer durations of abstinence (p < .001). Preference for non-tobacco (relative to tobacco) flavors and nicotine concentration were not associated with duration of abstinence, although preference for rechargeable pod and mod device types (vs. cig-a-likes) was associated with longer durations of abstinence. Patterns of e-cigarette use were related to abstinence duration, which may provide guidance for adults who are using e-cigarettes to quit smoking to encourage complete substitution and maximize smoking cessation. Findings indicate that non-tobacco e-cigarette flavors and nicotine strength are not related to longer durations of cessation success for adults, which may inform tobacco regulatory policies limiting these constituents to protect public health. This study provides important new information about the characteristics of e-cigarettes used during an attempt to quit smoking among adults across the United States and identifies factors associated with quitting success. Patterns of e-cigarette use were associated with longer durations of abstinence. In contrast, few e-cigarette characteristics were associated with abstinence. Although preference for some pod and mod device types was associated with longer abstinence duration compared to earlier cig-a-like devices, preference for non-tobacco (vs. tobacco) flavor and nicotine concentration were not associated with abstinence. Findings may help inform guidance for adults using e-cigarettes to quit smoking and support tobacco regulatory policies.

Inequalities in successful tobacco cessation and tobacco cessation attempts: Evidence from eight Sub-Saharan African countries.

Tobacco consumption is a contributing and modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. In high-income countries, tobacco cessation attempts, and their success, are concentrated among the socio-economically advantaged, resulting in a skewed burden of disease. However, there is a paucity of evidence on the distribution of tobacco cessation in low- and middle-income countries. The objective of this study is to measure and decompose wealth- and education-related inequalities in tobacco cessation in eight Sub-Saharan African countries. The study applies Erreygers' corrected concentration indices and decomposition methods to the most recent Global Adult Tobacco Surveys in Botswana, Cameroon, Ethiopia, Kenya, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, and Uganda. We find that across countries, successful tobacco cessation, as well as tobacco cessation attempts, are concentrated among wealthier and better-educated individuals. Differences in socio-economic status, urban or rural residence, and not knowing or believing that tobacco consumption leads to serious illness contributes to these inequalities. Governments in our sample of countries can do more to support socio-economically disadvantaged smokers in their efforts to quit smoking, including by making an effort to align each country's smoking cessation strategy with the guidelines outlined in the World Health Organization's Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

Use of tobacco cessation aids and likelihood of smoking cessation: A French population-based study

Although smoking prevalence has been decreasing worldwide, sustained tobacco cessation remains a challenging goal for many smokers. Several types of tobacco cessation aids are available such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and electronic cigarette, the effectiveness of the latter is still a matter of debate. This study aims to test differences in successful smoking cessation according to the type of aid used, considering selection and confounding factors.We used data from the 2017 French Health Barometer, a cross-sectional survey conducted by France’s Public Health Agency. We studied the relationship between e-cigarette and NRT use and three distinct outcomes collected retrospectively: smoking status 6, 12 and 24 months after the cessation attempt (yes vs no). All results were weighted to be nationally-representative and controlled for propensity scores included via overlap weighting (OW).The use of an e-cigarette was significantly associated with tobacco cessation at 6 months (OWeighted OR = 1.38, 95 % CI: 1.03–1.99) as well as at 12 months (OWeighted OR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.13–2.27) and 24 months (OWeighted OR = 1.61, 95 % CI: 1.01–2.57). The use of NRT was negatively associated with tobacco cessation at 12 months (OWeighted OR = 0.62, 95 % CI: 0.43–0.89) and 24 months (OWeighted OR = 0.57, 95 % CI: 0.35–0.92). While the use of an e-cigarette alone or combined with NRT is associated with an increase in the likelihood of smoking cessation, the effects of the use of NRT alone on long-term smoking abstinence are probably limited.

Modifying outcome expectancies and behavioral reinforcers to induce quit attempts among young adult smokers

Research has shown that outcome expectancies predict smoking behavior, and expectancy challenge interventions can reduce smoking. This study tested the hypothesis that supplementing expectancy challenge with a behavioral activation intervention promoting increased exposure to alternative reinforcers would help increase motivation to quit and induce actual quit attempts within the following month among young adult smokers. Smokers, aged 18–35 (N = 159, of whom 93 provided one-month follow-up data) and not required to be interested in quitting at the point of enrollment, were randomized to (a) the combined cognitive-behavioral intervention, (b) a cognitive-only expectancy challenge, or (c) a neutral reading (control) task. There were no significant between-group effects on motivation, but the conditions differed significantly in likelihood of leading to a quit attempt. Post hoc comparisons showed the combined condition participants (52 % of completers) to be significantly more likely than control group participants (25 %) to make a quit attempt, with the cognitive-only group (43 %) intermediate and not significantly different from the other conditions. These data provide preliminary evidence of utility for the brief cognitive-behavioral intervention in promoting smoking cessation attempts; more research is needed to test various possible explanations of how and for whom the intervention is effective, as well as whether it would significantly exceed expectancy challenge alone in larger samples.

Commentary on Tattan-Birch et al.: How might the rise in popularity of disposable vapes among young adults impact policy in the United Kingdom?

Commentary on Tattan-Birch et al.: How might the rise in popularity of disposable vapes among young adults impact policy in the United Kingdom?

The estimated influence of assumed physicians' advice for tobacco smoking cessation among current smokers in Shanghai, China: A cross-sectional study.

INTRODUCTIONEvidence indicates that physicians’ smoking cessation advice is significant for tobacco control, which is an impetus to encourage smoking cessation among smokers, but the estimated influence of physicians’ smoking cessation advice on smokers’ intention to quit is limited in Shanghai, China.METHODSWe enrolled 1104 participants who were current smokers in the SJ (Songjiang) and FX (Fengxian) districts in Shanghai in 2021. An electronic questionnaire was used to collect data and SAS 9.4 was used for data analysis. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) to estimate the influence of the assumed physicians’ advice for smoking cessation on current smokers’ smoking cessation plan.RESULTSA total of 1104 participants provided information of which 914 were male smokers (82.8%) and 190 (17.2%) were female smokers. Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that female smokers (OR=2.47; 95% CI: 1.66–3.68), smokers with at least 1 type of non-communicable disease (OR=2.09; 95% CI: 1.42–3.07), smoking intensity <20 cigarettes/day (OR=1.64; 95% CI: 1.22–2.17), with personal tobacco burden less than 20% (OR=1.52; 95% CI: 1.10–2.13), exposed to secondhand smoke (OR=1.99; 95% CI:1.44–2.76), and previous smoking cessation attempt (OR=4.43; 95% CI: 3.23–6.08), were more likely to report an intent to quit smoking. Moreover, approximately 50% of participants without a plan to quit in a year had also reported their intention to quit smoking with the presumption that the physicians would advise them to quit, irrespective of their sex, age, NCD status and secondhand tobacco smoke exposure.CONCLUSIONSPhysicians’ cessation advice could promote smokers to consider stopping smoking. The reported cessation intention was higher among female smokers, and smokers with NCD, lower smoking intensity and burden, with smoking cessation attempts, all of which could be incorporated into the implementation of tobacco control measures in the future in Shanghai.

Differences in cessation attempts and cessation methods by race/ethnicity among US adult smokers, 2016–2018

BackgroundAdvice to quit smoking and cessation patterns vary by race/ethnicity in the United States. This study aims to provide the up-to-date prevalence of quit advice, quit attempts and use of smoking cessation methods (particularly e-cigarettes) by race/ethnicity among US adult smokers. MethodsWe used data from Wave 4 (2016–2018) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. Using past-12-month and current adult cigarette smokers (n = 9,272), we conducted multivariable models to examine the association between race/ethnicity and advice to quit and quit attempts. Further, using a subset of those who made quit attempts (n = 5,046), we examined the use of smoking cessation methods, including e-cigarettes, by race/ethnicity, controlling for associated factors. ResultsCompared to Non-Hispanic [NH] White smokers, Hispanic smokers were less likely to receive quit advice (aPR [95 % CI] = 0.88 [0.78, 1.00]), but more likely to make quit attempts (1.14 [1.06, 1.23]). NH Black smokers (vs. NH Whites) were more likely to receive quit advice (1.06 [1.00, 1.12]) and more likely to make quit attempts (1.22 [1.15, 1.29]). NH Black smokers (vs. NH Whites) were more likely to use behavioral treatment (e.g., counseling) (1.84 [1.22, 2.77]). Hispanic smokers were less likely to use e-cigarettes to quit smoking than Whites (0.48 [0.33, 0.71]) and use pharmacotherapy (0.62 [0.44, 0.88]). ConclusionsWe found different patterns in cessation attempts and cessation methods by race/ethnicity among US adult smokers. Efforts to eliminate disparities must increase access and use of proven cessation therapies for these groups.

The Effect of Smoking Cessation on Body Weight and Other Metabolic Parameters with Focus on People with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Smokers with diabetes mellitus substantially lower their risks of microvascular and macrovascular diabetic complications, in particular cardiovascular disease, by quitting smoking. However, subsequent post-smoking-cessation weight gain may attenuate some of the beneficial effects of smoking cessation and discourage attempts to quit. Weight gain can temporarily exacerbate diabetes and deteriorate glycemic control and metabolic profile. The molecular mechanisms by which quitting smoking leads to weight gain are largely associated with the removal of nicotine’s effects on the central nervous system. This review addresses mechanisms of post-smoking-cessation weight gain, by reviewing the effects of nicotine on appetite, food intake, eating behaviour, energy expenditure, fat oxidation and appetite-regulating peptides. We also highlight correlations between post-cessation weight gain and risk of type 2 diabetes, consequences of weight gain in people with type 2 diabetes and the role of pharmacotherapies, which combine treatment of nicotine addiction and promotion of weight control.

Acceptance of a Prescription for Smoking Cessation Utilizing an iPad Educational Application

Tobacco use, especially smoking, poses an enormous threat to public health. Research indicates tobacco use is linked to many illnesses and premature death. It also has unhealthy consequences in non-smokers through second-hand exposure. Primary care clinicians have the “golden opportunities” to intervene during office visit encounters. This study examined the use of an iPad educational application in tobacco cessation counseling that would increase acceptance of a prescription to aid with cessation, compared to the traditional method of counseling only. Utilizing smoking cessation guidelines, a descriptive quantitative exploratory methodology was used in two phases to assess the effectiveness of tobacco cessation education in a traditional verbal counseling versus the additional use of a mobile application along with standard tobacco cessation counseling in a primary care clinical setting. Total of 49 participants were recruited in two different groups. The standard cessation counseling had 29 subjects for Phase I and 20 participants in the enhanced tobacco cessation education group in Phase II. The enhanced tobacco cessation education with an iPad was more effective in smoking education than the traditional standard verbal counseling on smoking cessation. The addition of a mobile device with relevant educational materials shared with smokers by clinicians have shown an increase in acceptance of a prescription to aid tobacco cessation. Clinicians are strongly encouraged to find innovative ways to help smoking patients accept aids in successful cessation attempts.

Learning to quit: can reinforcement theories predict the success of smoking cessation attempts using nicotine replacement therapy patches in a general population sample of smokers at 8-weeks and 6-months follow-up?

ABSTRACT Primary, secondary, and tertiary reinforcement contribute to the maintenance of smoking behaviour and may influence the efficacy of different cessation treatments. This analysis examined these relationships in a large general population sample and investigated how previous experiences of the different reinforcement mechanisms impacted future quit attempts. Random digit telephone dialing was used to recruit a sample of Canadian adults who smoked and were interested in being part of a hypothetical program that would provide nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) patches free by mail and half of the eligible participants were randomized to actually receive a five-week supply of NRT patches. During the interviews, reasons for relapse to smoking during previous quit attempts were collected and coded by two reviewers (disagreements were settled by a third reviewer). Binary logistic regression was used to determine if type of reinforcer moderated the intervention effect of the patches. Participants who made cessation attempts in the past year were more likely to report negative (p = .039), secondary (p = .041), and tertiary (p = .010) reinforcers and less likely to report positive reinforcers (p = .016) compared to those who did not attempt to quit. Logistic regressions revealed no significant conditional effects of the intervention on the relationship between reinforcer type and quit attempts or 30-day smoking abstinence. Analysis including all three reinforcers showed negative reinforcers decreased but tertiary reinforcers increased the odds participants reported a cessation attempt before the baseline interview and between baseline and 8-weeks. Understanding the different ways nicotine reinforces smoking behaviour could help guide individuals to more effective treatment options.

S34 Impact of Smoking Cessation Attempts in Reducing Low Bone Density Disease in Chronic Pancreatitis

S34 Impact of Smoking Cessation Attempts in Reducing Low Bone Density Disease in Chronic Pancreatitis

Factors Associated With Smoking Cessation Attempts in Lung Cancer Screening: A Secondary Analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial

Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in the United States. The National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) demonstrated a 20%reduction in lung cancer mortality resulting from lung cancer screening (LCS) with an additive reduction from smoking abstinence. However, successful smoking cessation within LCS is variable. What patient and treatment factors are associated with attempts to quit smoking among those screened for lung cancer? In a secondary analysis of the American College of Radiology Imaging Network arm of the NLST, patient demographics, patient smoking behaviors, and tobacco treatment variables were stratified by patient smoking status. The Cox proportional hazards ratio was used to evaluate each variable's effect on attempting to quit smoking. Seven thousand three hundred sixty-nine patients were smoking actively at enrollment in the NLST. Of the patients who reported they were smoking, 73.4%did not receive any pharmacologic tobacco treatment. More patients who attempted to quit received pharmacologic tobacco treatment than those who continued to smoke: (nicotine replacement therapy [NRT], 18.0%vs12.4%[P< .01]; bupropion, 7.9%vs6.9%[P= .02]; both NRT and bupropion, 5.6%vs3.9%[P< .01]). Stable users were more likely to be women (47.8%vs43.8%; P< .01), to be African American (8.2%vs6.3%; P= .007), to be unmarried (43.2%vs36.9%[P< .01]), and to have less than a college education (47.7%vs42.3%; P< .01). Patients with high dependence who received dual therapy with bupropion and NRT showed the highest likelihood of quit attempt (hazard ratio, 2.07; 95%CI, 1.75-2.44). In this analysis, only one-quarter of patients who underwent LCS and who smoked were treated with pharmacologic therapy, which is associated with increased likelihood of attempting to quit. Certain characteristics are associated with difficulty with attempting to quit smoking. Those with high nicotine dependence benefitted most from dual pharmacologic therapy.

Impact of a 20-Minute Counselling Session on Smoking Cessation in an Outpatient Clinic; A Cohort Study

Objective: To assess the smoking abstinence rate after a twenty-minutes structured counselling session.&#x0D; Study Design: Prospective Cohort Study.&#x0D; Place and Duration of Study: Respiratory Clinic, Pak Emirates Military Hospital, Rawalpindi Pakistan from Jun to Dec 2020.&#x0D; Methodology: A total of 400 active smokers visiting respiratory clinics were inducted into counselling sessions of twenty-minute duration for a structured smoking cessation counselling advice during which additional information regarding age, motivation status, duration of smoking, previous cessation attempts etc., was also recorded. All candidates were followed by telephone for six months for subject-reported abstinence status.&#x0D; Results: All the study participants were males between 39 to 64 years of age (mean age: 52.27 ± 4.78 years), of which 23 lost to follow-up, 102 (25.5%) remained quitters successfully, while the remaining 305 candidates relapsed at the end of 6 months. The highest relapse was observed at the end of 3 months, while the lowest relapse rate was observed in the fifth and sixth months since the quit date. Younger age had more odds of successful cessation rate than others (OR=6.13 CI 95%, p&lt;0.001). Those with a motivation score of 8 or more had more probability of abstaining (OR=5.38, CI 95%, p-value=0.001)&#x0D; Conclusions: The smoking abstinence rate in these counselling sessions was as significant as in other smoking cessation programs. The probability of quitting was more in younger adults and highly motivated ones.

Implementation of Tobacco Control Strategies in Psychiatric Institutions for Children and Adolescents: an Online Survey of Leading Staff Members

Tobacco control measures are relevant also in child and adolescent psychiatric institutions and their implementation in Germany will be assessed in this study. In an online survey, n=78 leading staff members responded to standardized questions assessing how smoking in patients was dealt in such institutions. The majority of institutions (70-87%) had smoking bans in the psychiatric clinic buildings and premises. Depending on the type of psychiatric ward, exceptions were in place in the form of a designated smoking area (38%), smoking pavilion (19%), or when patients suffered from certain mental disorders (28%). Documentation of violations of the ban varied with the type of ward (30-79%), while in most cases violations led to consequences (84-93%) including confiscation of smoking utilities (42-63%) or a curfew (25-38%). Smoking cessation aids were reported by 78% of the institutions, most often as consultations (64%). Pharmacological treatments for smoking were provided in inpatient wards (71-83%). One in two institutions documented the result of cessation attempts (54%). Smoking-related working groups (14%) or the use of standardized diagnostic instruments (0-4%) were much less frequently reported. We provide a first look at tobacco control policy measures in child and adolescent psychiatric institutions on a national scale. This allows us to derive future areas for tobacco control.

Longer-term use of electronic cigarettes when provided as a stop smoking aid: Systematic review with meta-analyses

Moderate certainty evidence supports use of nicotine electronic cigarettes to quit smoking combustible cigarettes. However, there is less certainty regarding how long people continue to use e-cigarettes after smoking cessation attempts. We set out to synthesise data on the proportion of people still using e-cigarettes or other study products at 6 months or longer in studies of e-cigarettes for smoking cessation.We updated Cochrane searches (November 2021). For the first time, we meta-analysed prevalence of continued e-cigarette use among individuals allocated to e-cigarette conditions, and among those individuals who had successfully quit smoking. We updated meta-analyses comparing proportions continuing product use among individuals allocated to use nicotine e-cigarettes and other treatments.We included 19 studies (n = 7787). The pooled prevalence of continued e-cigarette use at 6 months or longer was 54% (95% CI: 46% to 61%, I2 86%, N = 1482) in participants assigned to e-cigarette conditions. Of participants who had quit combustible cigarettes overall 70% were still using e-cigarettes at six months or longer (95% CI: 53% to 82%, I2 73%, N = 215). Heterogeneity in direction of effect precluded meta-analysis comparing long-term use of nicotine e-cigarettes with NRT. More people were using nicotine e-cigarettes at longest follow-up compared to non-nicotine e-cigarettes, but CIs included no difference (risk ratio 1.15, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.41, n = 601). The levels of continued e-cigarette use observed may reflect the success of e-cigarettes as a quitting tool. Further research is needed to establish drivers of variation in and implications of continued use of e-cigarettes.

Methods and factors influencing successful smoking cessation in Thailand: A case-control study among smokers at the community level.

INTRODUCTIONDespite comprehensive tobacco control policies being in place since 1992, smoking prevalence in Thailand has not declined since 2009, indicating a potential need for individual-level measures. This study examined factors influencing successful smoking cessation attempts in Thailand.METHODSWith a case-control design, smoking cessation experiences of 284 successful (defined as having quit smoking for at least six months) and 837 unsuccessful quitters, who were all lifetime daily smokers, were compared, using sociodemographic data, smoking behaviors, and smoking cessation experiences from their last quitting attempt. Data were collected between August and December 2020. Multivariate-adjusted logistic regressions were employed.RESULTSUnaided smoking cessation was the most popular method among Thais attempting to quit smoking; more than 99% of both successful and unsuccessful quitters used this method. A significantly higher proportion of successful quitters favored stopping their smoking abruptly than did unsuccessful quitters. Depending on the cessation phases (nicotine withdrawal or relapse prevention), cessation-supporting factors included a doctor’s recommendation to stop smoking due to smoker’s sickness (OR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.9–3.6), having a grandchild (OR=2.5; 95% CI: 1.1–5.6) or child (OR=2.0; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1), exercising (OR=13.9; 95% CI: 7.2–26.9), avoiding smokers (OR=6.7; 95% CI: 4.1–11.1), self-efficacy (OR=8.5; 95% CI: 3.6–20.0), having a good appetite (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.8), wishing to avoid the unpleasant smell of other people’s smoking after cessation (OR=3.7; 95% CI: 2.5–5.5), smoking prohibitions in public places (OR=2.8; 95% CI: 1.2–6.4) and workplaces (OR=4.5; 95% CI: 1.9–10.3), and expensive tobacco (OR=1.9; 95% CI: 1.3–2.9). Barriers to successful cessation included using roll-your-own (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.5), insomnia (OR=0.3; 95% CI: 0.2–0.5), social pressure to smoke (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.6), associating smoking with a habit/specific activity (OR=0.4; 95% CI: 0.3–0.5), and pleasure of smoking (OR=0.5; 95% CI: 0.3–0.7).CONCLUSIONSThis study highlights several factors found to influence successful smoking cessation among Thai smokers which can be used to design a guideline for unaided smoking cessation, and for smoking cessation enhancement programs and policies.

The Reshaping of the E-Cigarette Retail Environment: Its Evolution and Public Health Concerns.

E-cigarette use represents a public health controversy in the US and globally. Despite the potential of e-cigarettes to support cigarette cessation, their use increases health risks and risk for addiction, particularly in young people. Various federal, state, and local laws have impacted tobacco retail in general and e-cigarettes in particular. In the US, 2019–2020 federal laws increased in the minimum legal sales age for tobacco to 21 and banned flavored cartridge-based e-cigarettes. Many states and localities were early adopters of Tobacco 21 and implemented more comprehensive flavor restrictions than the federal ban. Meanwhile, cannabis retail is increasingly being legalized in the US—while cannabis-based product regulation has notable gaps at the federal, state, and local levels. These regulatory complexities have impacted specialized retailers selling e-cigarettes, including “vape shops” that exclusively sell e-cigarettes, “smoke shops” that sell e-cigarettes and other tobacco (and potentially CBD/THC and other un- or under-regulated products), and online retail. This commentary outlines public health concerns related to: (1) youth access; (2) consumer exposure to a broader range of tobacco products and marketing in retail settings where they may seek products to aid in cigarette cessation (i.e., such broad product exposure could hinder cessation attempts); (3) consumer exposure to un-/under-regulated products (e.g., delta-8-THC, kratom); and (4) federal, state, and local regulations being undermined by consumer access to prohibited products online and via the mail. These concerns underscore the need for ongoing surveillance of how retailers and consumers respond to regulations.

Exploring Users' Experiences With a Quick-Response Chatbot Within a Popular Smoking Cessation Smartphone App: Semistructured Interview Study.

BackgroundEngagement with smartphone apps for smoking cessation tends to be low. Chatbots (ie, software that enables conversations with users) offer a promising means of increasing engagement.ObjectiveWe aimed to explore smokers’ experiences with a quick-response chatbot (Quit Coach) implemented within a popular smoking cessation app and identify factors that influence users’ engagement with Quit Coach.MethodsIn-depth, one-to-one, semistructured qualitative interviews were conducted with adult, past-year smokers who had voluntarily used Quit Coach in a recent smoking cessation attempt (5/14, 36%) and current smokers who agreed to download and use Quit Coach for a minimum of 2 weeks to support a new cessation attempt (9/14, 64%). Verbal reports were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed within a constructivist theoretical framework using inductive thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 3 high-order themes were generated to capture users’ experiences and engagement with Quit Coach: anthropomorphism of and accountability to Quit Coach (ie, users ascribing human-like characteristics and thoughts to the chatbot, which helped foster a sense of accountability to it), Quit Coach’s interaction style and format (eg, positive and motivational tone of voice and quick and easy-to-complete check-ins), and users’ perceived need for support (ie, chatbot engagement was motivated by seeking distraction from cravings or support to maintain motivation to stay quit).ConclusionsAnthropomorphism of a quick-response chatbot implemented within a popular smoking cessation app appeared to be enabled by its interaction style and format and users’ perceived need for support, which may have given rise to feelings of accountability and increased engagement.