Cotinine Test Research Articles

Validity assessment of self-reported smoking status to detection of urine cotinine levels among patients with tuberculosis undergoing tobacco cessation treatment

Introduction and Aim: Tobacco cessation programs by and large use self-reporting as the gold standard for assessing tobacco use. However, self-reporting may be skewed due to the socio-demographic profile and the context in which the respondents share their tobacco history after undergoing tobacco cessation treatment. It is therefore, imperative to validate the respondents’ self-reported smoking status in an effective manner. Hence, this study aimed in validating the self-reported smoking status of study participants with their urine cotinine levels in a randomized controlled trial on smoking cessation. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka to validate the self-reported smoking status of 300 participants. A seven-day point prevalence of smoking status was assessed based on a questionnaire and validated further using the semi-quantitative urine cotinine test at the end of a randomized smoking cessation study. Results: The sensitivity and specificity of self-reported smoking status was 73.17% and 95.79% respectively. Other validity indicators like positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and accuracy were estimated to be 97.40%, 62.33%, 17.38%, 0.28%, and 80.33% respectively. Cohen’s kappa statistics showed a substantial agreement (k=0.61; SE= 0.04) between the two test methods. Educational status and the level of motivation to quit showed a significant association between the test methods. Conclusion: Self-reported smoking status of participants is not sensitive in identifying smokers thus leading to under-reporting.

Assessment and Counseling Gaps Among Former Smokers Eligible for Lung Cancer Screening in US Adults

BackgroundLung cancer screening (LCS) for former and current smokers requires that current smokers are counseled on tobacco treatment. In the USA, over 4 million former smokers are estimated to be eligible for LCS based on self-report for “not smoking now.” Tobacco use and exposure can be measured with the biomarker cotinine, a nicotine metabolite reflecting recent exposure.ObjectiveTo examine predictors of tobacco use and exposure among self-reported former smokers eligible for LCS.DesignCross-sectional study using the 2013–2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.ParticipantsFormer smokers eligible for LCS (n = 472).Main MeasuresRecent tobacco use was defined as reported tobacco use in the past 5 days or a cotinine level above the race/ethnic cut points for tobacco use. Recent tobacco exposure was measured among former smokers without recent tobacco use and defined as having a cotinine level above 0.05 ng/mL.Key ResultsOne in five former smokers eligible for LCS, totaling 1,416,485 adults, had recent tobacco use (21.4%, 95% confidence interval (CI) 15.8%, 27.0%), with about a third each using cigarettes, e-cigarettes, or other tobacco products. Among former smokers without recent tobacco use, over half (53.0%, 95% CI: 44.6%, 61.4%) had cotinine levels indicating recent tobacco exposure. Certain subgroups had higher percentages for tobacco use or exposure, especially those having quit within the past 3 years or living with a household smoker.ConclusionsFormer smokers eligible for LCS should be asked about recent tobacco use and exposure and considered for cotinine testing. Nearly 1.5 million “former smokers” eligible for LCS may be current tobacco users who have been missed for counseling. The high percentage of “passive smokers” is at least double that of the general nonsmoking population. Counseling about the harms of tobacco use and exposure and resources is needed.

A smoking quitline integrated with clinician counselling at outpatient health facilities in Vietnam: a single-arm prospective cohort study

BackgroundLimited evidence is available about the combination of multiple smoking cessation modalities in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention that integrates follow-up counselling phone calls and scheduled text messages with brief advice from physicians in Vietnam.MethodsThis was a single-arm intervention study. Smokers were referred to the study Quitline after brief advice by physicians at three rural district hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. Following referral, participants received nine counselling phone calls in 12 months and a scheduled text message service that lasted for three months. Participants who reported smoking cessation for at least 30 days at the 12-month follow-up were invited for a urinary cotinine test to confirm cessation.ResultsThe Quitline centre had 431 referrals from participating hospitals. Among them, 221 (51.3%) were enrolled. After the baseline phone call, 141 (63.8%) participated in all 4 follow-up calls within the first month and 117 (52.9%) participated in all phone calls in 12 months. The median number of successful phone calls was 8 (interquartile range: 6 – 8). At the end of the study, 90 (40.7%) self-reported abstinence from smoking over the previous 30 days. Among them, 22 (24.4%) submitted a sample for cotinine test, of which 13 (59.1% of those tested) returned a negative result. The proportion of biochemically-verified quitters was 5.9%.ConclusionsThe integration of brief advice and referral from healthcare facilities, Quitline counselling phone calls, and scheduled text messaging was feasible in rural health facilities in northern Vietnam.Trial registrationACTRN12619000554167.

Effectiveness of Behavioral Counseling in Smokeless Tobacco Cessation Among Adult Users Reporting to a Dental Hospital in Pune: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

AimTo assess the effectiveness of behavioral counseling for smokeless tobacco cessation among adult users in a dental hospital setting.MethodsA total of 200 patients visiting a dental hospital who were exclusively using smokeless tobacco (SLT) were enrolled in the study. A randomized controlled trial with a concurrent parallel study design, which consisted of two arms, was conducted. Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence level and the transtheoretical stage of change was assessed at the baseline. Behavioral cessation counseling and motivational interviewing were provided in the study arm and brief advice was given to those in the control arm. The counseling was provided at baseline and followed up till six months through telephone to assess the change in the frequency of use of SLT products and abstinence from SLT use. A biochemical validation with a urine cotinine test was done to confirm abstinence.ResultsAt six months, there was a significant difference within and between the study and control groups, indicating the role played by behavioral tobacco cessation in reducing the frequency of consumption. About 24.4% of participants in the study group and 10% in the control group abstained from the habit at the sixth month, with an odd’s ratio (OR)=2.91 and with a loss to follow-up of 10% in each of the groups. The cotinine test, which was used for validation, revealed a significant difference between the study and the control group. The number needed to treat (NNT) shows that to motivate one additional person to give up the SLT habit, we need to intervene with about seven people.ConclusionBehavior intervention with motivational interviewing was considered an effective method in promoting smokeless tobacco cessation among adults. Transtheoretical stages of change have proven to be an effective model to assess the stage of behavior change of the population toward SLT use and was also helpful for changing the behavior.

Coming Soon: Ability to Orgasm After Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty

Many patients have goals related to sexual health when seeking gender-affirming vaginoplasty, and previous investigations have only studied the ability to orgasm at cross-sectional timepoints. Our aim is to quantify the time to orgasm postoperative gender-affirming vaginoplasty and describe potential correlative factors, including preoperative orgasm, to improve preoperative counseling. A retrospective chart review was utilized to extract factors thought to influence pre and postoperative orgasm in patients undergoing robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty. Mean days to orgasm plus one standard deviation above that mean was used to define the time at which patients would be considered anorgasmic. Orgasm was documented as a categorical variable on the basis of surgeon interviews during pre and postoperative appointments while time to orgasm was measured as days from surgery to first date documented as orgasmic in the medical record. A total of 199 patients underwent surgery from September 2017 to August 2020. The median time to orgasm was 180 days. 178 patients had completed 1 year or greater of follow-up, and of these patients, 153 (86%) were orgasmic and 25 patients (14%) were not. Difficulty in preoperative orgasm was correlated only with older age (median age 45.9 years vs 31.7, P=.03). Postoperative orgasm was not significantly correlated with preoperative orgasm. The only factor related to postoperative orgasm was smoking history: 12 of 55 patients (21.8%) who had a positive smoking history and sufficient follow-up reported anorgasmia (P-value .046). Interventions for anorgasmic patients include testosterone replacement, pelvic floor physical therapy, and psychotherapy. Preoperative difficulty with orgasm improves with gender-affirming robotic peritoneal flap vaginoplasty, while smoking had a negative impact on postoperative orgasm recovery despite negative cotinine test prior to surgery. This investigation is the first effort to determine a timeline for the return of orgasmic function after gender-affirming vaginoplasty. It is limited by retrospective review methodology and lack of long-term follow-up. The association of smoking with postoperative orgasm despite universal nicotine cessation prior to surgery may indicate prolonged smoking cessation improves orgasmic outcomes or that underlying, unmeasured exposures correlated with smoking may be the factor inhibiting recovery of orgasm. The majority of patients were orgasmic at their 6-month follow-up appointments, however, patients continued to become newly orgasmic in appreciable numbers more than 1 year after surgery. Blasdel G, Kloer C, Parker A, et al. Coming Soon: Ability to Orgasm After Gender Affirming Vaginoplasty. J Sex Med 2022;19:781-788.

Abstract WP17: Impact Of Cigarette Smoking And Its Interaction With Hypertension And Diabetes On Cognitive Function

Introduction: We evaluated the association of a cigarette-smoking biomarker with cognitive function, and tested whether smoking acts synergistically with hypertension and diabetes to influence cognition. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional analysis of nationally representative data from the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. From 2011-2014, participants ≥60 years old were given 4 standardized cognitive tests by trained examiners: immediate word recall, delayed word recall, Animal Fluency Test (AFT), and Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST) - a multidomain cognitive test. Participants also had 3 consecutive standardized blood pressure measurements and hemoglobin A1c and serum cotinine tests, the latter an accurate biomarker of cigarette smoking/exposure. We used linear regression to evaluate the association of cotinine with cognitive performance. Where an association was found, interaction term testing evaluated effect modification by systolic blood pressure and hemoglobin A1c as continuous measures, and hypertension and diabetes as categorical variables. Models were adjusted for demographics, socioeconomic factors, education, cardiovascular risk factors/disease, alcohol use, and depression. Results: The mean age of 3,244 participants was 69 years and 54% were women. Self-reported current smoking was present in 23%, 77% had hypertension, and 24% had diabetes. In adjusted linear regression models, higher serum cotinine levels were associated with worse performance on the DSST (β, -0.02; 95% CI, -0.03, -0.01; P=0.001), and non-significantly on the AFT (β, -0.003; 95% CI, -0.006, 0.0003; P=0.07), but not immediate or delayed recall. For the DSST, effect modification by systolic blood pressure (P=0.14) and hemoglobin A1c (P=0.39) was not observed. There was also no evidence of effect modification when testing interactions for hypertension and diabetes. Conclusions: Higher levels of a smoking biomarker were associated with worse performance on a multidomain cognitive test at the population level, regardless of hypertension or diabetes. These data demonstrate the detrimental impact of smoking on cognition and underscore the broad importance of promoting smoking cessation to preserve cognitive health.

Tobacco habit abstinence through behavioral counseling among transgender persons of pune district: A quasi-experimental design

Background: Transgender population are a high-risk group in the community, as their oral health gets neglected due to the stigma associated with them. Since it is an impediment to obtain oral care services, a group of such persons were identified with an intention of examining them orally and providing basic oral treatment. Aim: To identify a cohort of transgender persons using tobacco product and provide group behavioral counseling for cessation of their habit. Materials and Methods: A total of five locations wherein transgender persons were residing were identified. Demographic details of the participants such as age, education status, and occupation were recorded. The tobacco product use details regarding frequency, duration of use, and form of tobacco were documented. The identified tobacco users were provided with behavioral tobacco cessation counseling. Follow-up was done every month for 6 months and at 18th month through self-reported abstinence and urine cotinine test at 6th month. The data was analyzed using descriptive statistics in the form of numbers and percentages and the 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (Mid-P) were provided using WinPepi PORTAL. Results: A total of 52 transgender persons aged 18–58 years were identified. Tobacco product use was identified in 73%, out of which 13% smoked tobacco, 84% chewed tobacco, while 2% smoked and chewed both. Postintervention at 6th month, 21% (CI: 0.10–0.36) abstained from the habit of tobacco product use, which was self-reported and 7% (CI: 0.02–0.20) was validated with urine cotinine. By the 18th month, 15% (CI: 0.06–0.29) had self-reported abstinence. Conclusion: The prevalence of tobacco consumption was high among transgender population. Tobacco cessation program helped in quitting the adverse habit in 15% of the population. Cessation programs supplemented with nicotine replacement therapy use in this marginalized section of the society would help achieve a better abstinence.

A Comparison of the Factor Analysis on Smoking Cessation Success between Inpatient Smoking Cessation Program and Residential Smoking Cessation Program

Background: Since 2015, Smoking cessation program have been provided by the local smoking cessation support center in Korea. This program consisted of a 5-days of residential smoking cessation program and an inpatient program. This article is to assist smokers to quit smoking by analyzing and comparing the success factor in smoking cessation from the two different programs.Methods: This study was conducted with a total of 996 participants from the residential smoking cessation program and the inpatient program, from January 2018 to December 2020 at the University Hospitals. Based on the registration card information, we did a retrospective research. Success defines that the smoking cessation continued after 6 months of program participation when it is confirmed by urine cotinine test or phone consultation. The outcome of this study was performed by cross-tabulation analysis and regression analysis.Results: The findings show that the expected value of success in smoking cessation is higher as the subject is older in their age (P<0.05 in 60s or older), and more frequent consultations (P<0.01) in both programs. The nicotine dependency (P<0.01), social security system (P<0.01), and drinking experience (P=0.01) showed a meaningful correlation to success in smoking cessation in the residential program.Conclusions: It is required to improve the smoking cessation program to active intervention with frequent consultations when providing these two programs.

Remote Patient Monitoring and Incentives to Support Smoking Cessation Among Pregnant and Postpartum Medicaid Members: Three Randomized Controlled Pilot Studies.

BackgroundSmoking rates among low-income individuals, including those eligible for Medicaid, have not shown the same decrease that is observed among high-income individuals. The rate of smoking among pregnant women enrolled in Medicaid is almost twice that among privately insured women, which leads to significant disparities in birth outcomes and a disproportionate cost burden placed on Medicaid. Several states have identified maternal smoking as a key target for improving birth outcomes and reducing health care expenditures; however, efficacious, cost-effective, and feasible cessation programs have been elusive.ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of a smartwatch-enabled, incentive-based smoking cessation program for Medicaid-eligible pregnant smokers.MethodsPilot 1 included a randomized pilot study of smartwatch-enabled remote monitoring versus no remote monitoring for 12 weeks. Those in the intervention group also received the SmokeBeat program. Pilot 2 included a randomized pilot study of pay-to-wear versus pay-to-quit for 4 weeks. Those in a pay-to-wear program could earn daily incentives for wearing the smartwatch, whereas those in pay-to-quit program could earn daily incentives if they wore the smartwatch and abstained from smoking. Pilot 3, similar to pilot 2, had higher incentives and a duration of 3 weeks.ResultsFor pilot 1 (N=27), self-reported cigarettes per week among the intervention group declined by 15.1 (SD 27) cigarettes over the study; a similar reduction was observed in the control group with a decrease of 17.2 (SD 19) cigarettes. For pilot 2 (N=8), self-reported cigarettes per week among the pay-to-wear group decreased by 43 cigarettes (SD 12.6); a similar reduction was seen in the pay-to-quit group, with an average of 31 (SD 45.6) fewer cigarettes smoked per week. For pilot 3 (N=4), one participant in the pay-to-quit group abstained from smoking for the full study duration and received full incentives.ConclusionsDecreases in smoking were observed in both the control and intervention groups during all pilots. The use of the SmokeBeat program did not significantly improve cessation. The SmokeBeat program, remote cotinine testing, and remote delivery of financial incentives were considered feasible and acceptable. Implementation challenges remain for providing evidence-based cessation incentives to low-income pregnant smokers. The feasibility and acceptability of the SmokeBeat program were moderately high. Moreover, the feasibility and acceptability of remote cotinine testing and the remotely delivered contingent financial incentives were successful.Trial RegistrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT03209557; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03209557.

An innovation involving self-surveillance and serious gaming to increase smoking quit rate: Protocol for a pilot randomized controlled trial.

Smoking is a health hazard. Current smoking cessation measures such as behavioral change counselling by trained professionals, nicotine replacement therapy and medications have limited success. Smoking intensity is assessed using a portable device to measure the smokers’ exhaled breath carbon monoxide (eCO) level. A systematic review suggests the potential of serious gaming to increase smoking quit rate. However, the related studies were unable to explain and determine the effect gamification on smoking cessation.A handy personalized eCO measurement device linked to a smart-phone applications (app) has been developed (integrated STEADES-2 system). This novel system incorporates app-based video and print learning resources, authentication function and gamification using the eCO data as game element. Trained multidisciplinary healthcare professionals access the STEADES-2 data to monitor smoking status and support smokers via asynchronous virtual coaching. The pilot randomized controlled trial will enroll 20 smokers to use the STEADES-2 system (intervention group) and another 20 to the existing smoking cessation programme (control group) in primary care. The primary feasibility outcomes will include the recruitment response rate, the smokers’ usability of the STEADES-2 system, their self eCO monitoring, frequencies of participation in the serious games and interactions with their virtual coaches. Their smoking literacy, utility and experience of the STEADES-2 system are other outcomes. Smokers in both groups will be compared on their cigarette abstinence as secondary outcome based on eCO levels and urine cotinine test (primary outcomes after 12 weeks).The results will be disseminated via conferences and publications.

Smoking Cessation Initiatives in Total Joint Arthroplasty: An Evidence-Based Review.

As smoking increases the risk of adverse events and leads to increased hospital costs following total joint arthroplasty (TJA), many institutions have introduced perioperative smoking cessation initiatives. Although such programs have been demonstrated to improve outcomes for smokers undergoing TJA, the optimal approach, duration, and timing of smoking cessation models have not been well-defined. Overall, initiating a smoking cessation program 4 weeks preoperatively is likely adequate to provide clinically meaningful reductions in postoperative complications for smokers following TJA, although longer periods of cessation should be encouraged if feasible. Patients brought in for emergency surgical treatment who cannot participate in a preoperative intervention may still benefit from an intervention instituted in the immediate postoperative period. Cotinine testing may provide some benefit for encouraging successful smoking cessation and validating self-reported smoking status, although its utility is limited by its short half-life. Further study is needed to determine the value of other measures of cessation such as carbon monoxide breath testing. Smoking cessation programs instituted prior to TJA have been demonstrated to be cost-effective over both the short and long term.

Nicotine Dependence Evaluated by Urinary Cotinine and Heaviness of Smoking Index among Smokers, Vapers, and Dual Users: A Cross-Sectional Study Using the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey Data.

BackgroundMany people use both combustible cigarette (CC) and electronic cigarette (EC). We compared nicotine dependence among CC, EC, and dual users using questionnaires and urinary cotinine levels.MethodsData from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2014–2017) databases were analyzed; 3,917 CC, EC, and dual users were administered the urinary cotinine test, and 1,045 current CC and dual users completed the Heaviness of Smoking Index (HSI) questionnaires. Weighted geometric means of urine cotinine levels were compared between exclusive CC, exclusive EC, and dual users. The distribution rate, based on time to first cigarette (TTFC), cigarettes per day (CPD), and the HSI was analyzed in two weighted groups, exclusive CC and dual users.ResultsAmong those who currently use any type of cigarette, 89.4%, 1.4%, and 9.2% were exclusive CC, exclusive EC, and dual users, respectively. Weighted geometric means of urine cotinine were highest in dual users (1,356.4 ng/mL), followed by exclusive CC (1,270.3 ng/mL), and exclusive EC (867.7 ng/mL) with significant differences between all three groups (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in CPD between exclusive CC and dual users (P=0.626). The proportion of TTFC ≤5 minutes was 21.5% and 29.5% in the two groups, respectively (P=0.010); however, HSI differences in the two groups was marginal (P=0.557).ConclusionIn this study, the urinary cotinine value could distinguish the three groups, CC, EC, and dual users, but the questionnaire using HSI could not distinguish the three groups.

Comparing two approaches to remote biochemical verification of self-reported cessation in very low-income smokers

Little is known about the acceptability and use of remote biochemical verification of self-reported cessation among low-income and racially diverse smokers. We compared responses to an in-person carbon monoxide breath test and in-home urine cotinine test among 270 adults who reported 7-day continuous abstinence at 6-month follow-up in a community-based randomized cessation trial. Half of participants (50%) reported annual household income below $10,000, one in four (28%) had not completed high school, and 69% were Black or African American. Regardless of whether the two tests were offered separately, sequentially, or as a head-to-head choice, participants were more likely to accept an offer to take the urine test than the breath test (89% vs. 32%), and complete it (46% vs. 13%). The proportion of participants completing the urine test and returning a digital photo of the test result is comparable to several studies completed with less disadvantaged samples. Self-report was confirmed by urine test for 74% of participants with a conclusive test result, although a high percentage (39%) of test results were inconclusive. In-home urine testing appears both acceptable and feasible for many low-income smokers, but challenges with testing technology and response rates currently limit its value to increase confidence in self-reports.

Factors Associated With the Differences Between Self-Report Smoking and Urinary Cotinine Criteria.

During self-reporting, respondents underreport their smoking status for various reasons. We aimed to evaluate the difference between smoking status self-reporting and urinary cotinine tests in Korea respondents. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with the differences between self-reporting and urinary cotinine criteria. The dependent variable was the underreporting of smoking status; independent variables were sociodemographic, health status, and secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure. Total underreporting was 3.6% when Cot ≥164 and 4.0% when Cot-variable (classified) criteria underreported. Positive associations were found between smoking and age, education, drinking, and SHS. Underreporting in the nonsmoker group (odds ratio [OR] = 2.336; confidence interval [CI] = 1.717-3.179) was significantly associated with SHS, but this difference was nonsignificant in the ex-smoker group (OR = 1.184; CI = 0.879-1.638). Underreporting was 3.6% to 4.0%, and C-statistics was about 0.7, indicating that outcomes could be classified. SHS in nonsmokers was positively associated with underreporting; however, only the nonsmoker group had positive associations, demonstrating unintentional underreporting due to SHS.

Expired Air Carbon Monoxide Testing Is Effective for Preoperative Screening of Cigarette Use in Orthopaedic Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study of 70 Veterans

Introduction: Screening for cigarette use is standard in the orthopedic pre-operative clinic, however traditional biochemical testing methods, including serum and urine cotinine assays, do not differentiate active smoking from nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). In this prospective pilot study, we hypothesize that exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) testing will be non-inferior to the gold standard serum cotinine (SC) test in screening for pre-operative cigarette use, will differentiate active smoking from NRT, and will allow for substantial cost savings in a clinic setting. Methods: Adult orthopaedic veterans indicated for elective surgery at our institution were offered inclusion. Self-reported smoking status (SRS), eCO and SC levels were obtained preoperatively. An eCO level of &gt;6 parts per million and a SC level &gt;3 ng/ml were considered positive for recent cigarette use. Agreement between SRS, eCO levels and SC levels, and eCO level test-retest reliability were evaluated. Results: Of the 55 patients enrolled into the study, 4 were self-reported Current Smokers and 51 were self-reported Ex-Smokers or Non-Smokers. Combining SRS with eCO levels as a screening tool for recent cigarette use yielded a sensitivity of 100%, a specificity of 98%, a positive predictive value of 95% and a negative predictive value of 100%. eCO testing differentiated NRT from cigarette use in all non-smoking patients. Test-retest reliability for eCO levels showed perfect agreement for 16 patients that had two or more eCO levels pre-operatively. Conclusion: Exhaled CO testing is as effective as SC testing but can differentiate active smoking from NRT, while maintaining a high level of accuracy and reliability when combined with SRS as a screening tool.

A Facebook intervention to address cigarette smoking and heavy episodic drinking: A pilot randomized controlled trial

BackgroundCo-occurrence of tobacco use and heavy episodic drinking (HED; 5+ drinks for men and 4+ drinks for women per occasion) is common among young adults; both warrant attention and intervention. In a two-group randomized pilot trial, we investigated whether a Facebook-based smoking cessation intervention addressing both alcohol and tobacco use would increase smoking abstinence and reduce HED compared to a similar intervention addressing only tobacco. MethodsParticipants were 179 young adults (age 18–25; 49.7% male; 80.4% non-Hispanic white) recruited from Facebook and Instagram who reported smoking 4+ days/week and past-month HED. The Smoking Tobacco and Drinking (STAND) intervention (N = 84) and the Tobacco Status Project (TSP), a tobacco-only intervention (N = 95), both included daily Facebook posts for 90 days and weekly live counseling sessions in private “secret” groups. We verified self-reported 7-day smoking abstinence via remote salivary cotinine tests at 3, 6, and 12 months (with retention at 83%, 66%, and 84%, respectively). Participants self-reported alcohol use. ResultsAt baseline, the participants averaged 10.4 cigarettes per day (SD = 6.9) and 8.9 HED occasions in the past month (SD = 8.1), with 27.4% in a preparation stage of change for quitting smoking cigarettes. Participants reported significant improvements in cigarette smoking and alcohol use outcomes over time, with no significant differences by condition. At 12 months, intent-to-treat smoking abstinence rates were 3.5% in STAND vs. 0% in TSP (biochemically verified) and 29.4% in STAND vs. 25.5% in TSP (self-reported). Compared to TSP, participants rated the STAND intervention more favorably for supporting health and providing useful information. ConclusionsAdding an alcohol treatment component to a tobacco cessation social media intervention was acceptable and engaging but did not result in significant differences by treatment condition in smoking or alcohol use outcomes. Participants in both conditions reported smoking and drinking less over time, suggesting covariation in behavioral changes.

Treating tobacco dependence to aid re-employment among job-seekers: A randomized controlled trial

IntroductionU.S. reductions in smoking have not been experienced equally. Smoking prevalence is greater among persons of lower education, lower income, and unemployed. We evaluated whether a cessation intervention for job-seekers would result in significantly fewer cigarettes smoked per day and a greater likelihood of tobacco abstinence and re-employment, compared to the control condition at 6-months follow-up. MethodsUnemployed, job-seekers who smoked daily were recruited from five employment development departments in the San Francisco Bay Area, October 2015 to February 2018. Intention to quit smoking was not required. Participants were randomized to a brief motivationally-tailored, computer-assisted counseling intervention or referred to a toll-free quitline. Midstudy, 8-weeks of combination nicotine replacement was added to the intervention. Expired carbon monoxide and cotinine testing verified abstinence. Data were analyzed fall 2019. ResultsParticipants (N = 360; 70% men; 43% African American, 27% non-Hispanic Caucasian; 19% unhoused) averaged 12 cigarettes/day (SD = 6), 67% smoked within 30 min of wakening; 27% were in preparation stage to quit. During the 6-month study period, intervention participants were more likely to make a quit attempt (71% vs. 58%, p = .021) and reported significantly greater reduction in cigarettes/day than control participants (median reduction: 6.9 vs. 5.0, p = .038); however, bioconfirmed abstinence (3%) and re-employment (36%) did not differ by treatment group. ConclusionsIn a diverse sample with economic hardships, quit attempts and smoking reduction were greater in the intervention group; however, few achieved abstinence, and neither abstinence nor re-employment differed by condition. A priority group, further research is needed on smoking and re-employment.

Validation of Self-Reported Smoking Status Among Orthopedic Hip Surgery Patients.

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of self-reported non-smoking status in subjects undergoing elective orthopedic surgery as confirmed by serum cotinine levels.MethodsInstitutional Review Board approval was obtained for this retrospective review of consecutive subjects that underwent elective orthopedic surgery by a single fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. All patients provided smoking history (active, former, or non-smoker). Serum cotinine levels defined each subject as “non-smoker”, “passive tobacco exposure”, or “active smoker”. Self-reported non-smokers were eligible for inclusion. Subjects were excluded if they failed to provide smoking history, reported themselves as “smokers”, and/or had unavailable serum cotinine levels. Self-reported non-smoking status accuracy was determined by dividing the total number of included subjects by the number of subjects that were defined as “non-smoker” or “passive tobacco exposure” on their serum cotinine test.ResultsA total of 378 patients (mean age of 42.5 (13-78) years and 68% female) self-reported as non-smokers and were included. A total of 369 subjects had serum cotinine levels consistent with “non-smoking” resulting in a self-reported non-smoking status accuracy of 97.6%. None of the former smokers had cotinine levels consistent with active smoker status.ConclusionSubjects undergoing elective orthopedic surgery self-report as non-smokers with an accuracy of 97.6%. This suggests that routine serum cotinine testing of non-smokers in this patient population may not be necessary.

High-dose and low-dose varenicline for smoking cessation in adolescents: a randomised, placebo-controlled trial

Although cigarette smoking typically begins in adolescence, evidence for successful pharmacological smoking cessation interventions for this population is scarce. In adult smokers, varenicline is the most effective single pharmacotherapy. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and tolerability of varenicline for smoking cessation in adolescents. We did a randomised, placebo-controlled trial with adolescent smokers aged 12-19 years who were seeking treatment to quit at 57 outpatient centres (in the USA, Russia, South Korea, Taiwan, Canada, and Georgia). Participants were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive 12 weeks of high-dose varenicline (1 mg twice daily; 0·5 mg twice daily if bodyweight ≤55 kg), low-dose varenicline (0·5 mg twice daily; 0·5 mg once daily if bodyweight ≤55 kg), or placebo, then followed up for 40 additional weeks. At all visits, participants received brief, developmentally tailored smoking cessation counselling (<10 min per session) delivered by a trained counsellor. The primary efficacy outcome was continuous abstinence from weeks 9 to 12, measured via a Nicotine Use Inventory and confirmed by urine cotinine testing. The primary tolerability outcome was frequency of treatment-emergent adverse events, including neuropsychiatric adverse events, occurring after the first dose and within 30 days of the last dose of study medication. This trial is registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT01312909. Between April 26, 2011, and Jan 18, 2018, 312 participants were enrolled and completed participation in the study: 109 in the high-dose varenicline group, 103 in the low-dose varenicline group, and 100 in the placebo group. The continuous abstinence rates from week 9 to 12 were 20% (22 of 109) in the high-dose varenicline group, 27% (28 of 103) in the low-dose varenicline group, and 18% (18 of 100) in the placebo group. Abstinence rates between high-dose varenicline and placebo groups (odds ratio [OR] 1·18 [95% CI 0·59-2·37]; p=0·63) and between low-dose varenicline and placebo groups (1·73 [0·88-3·39]; p=0·11) did not differ significantly. Treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 65 (60%) of 108 participants in the high-dose group, 53 (53%) of 100 in the low-dose group, and 52 (53%) of 99 in the placebo group, and most were rated as mild. Neuropsychiatric treatment-emergent adverse events occurred in 18 (17%) of 108 participants in the high-dose group, 11 (11%) of 100 in the low-dose group, and 12 (12%) of 99 in the placebo group, and none was rated as severe. This trial did not show an advantage in abstinence with varenicline compared with placebo among adolescent smokers. The rates of treatment-emergent adverse events were similar to those in previous trials of adult smokers, raising no new tolerability signals. These findings do not support the use of varenicline as a first-line pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation in adolescents. Pfizer.

Efficacy of standard nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) versus video-assisted nurse-led NRT on tobacco cessation: A randomized controlled pilot trial

IntroductionNicotine effectiveness has been tested in multiple forms to stop tobacco use. However, the evidence remains inconclusive for the efficacy of a single nicotine intervention. This study aims to test the efficacy of a nurse-led video-assisted nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to standard NRT on tobacco addiction and cessation among tobacco users. DesignRandomised controlled trial (RCT) comparing two study groups (41/group) with blinded follow-up at two and four weeks. A video-assisted nurse-led NRT and routine standard treatment groups are compared. A weekly call reminder was placed to the video-assisted nurse-led group to take nicotine gum/lozenge and to attend follow-up regularly. MeasuresPrimary endpoints at two and four weeks were self-reported addiction status and tobacco cessation. A standardized urine cotinine test was performed to validate self-reported addiction status at five weeks. ResultsAddiction status was significantly (p < 0.001) improved in the video-assisted nurse-led NRT group. A significant improvement was observed in importance (p < 0.001) to quit tobacco at two weeks of follow-ups. The participants in the nurse-led group enable to boost their readiness (p < 0.001) to quit tobacco at the second and fourth-week follow-ups. There was a significant reduction in urine cotinine levels at 5th week (OR: 2.79, CI 1.26–6.18) in the nurse-led NRT group. ConclusionsA video-assisted nurse-led nicotine replacement therapy found effective in reducing tobacco use. Developing culturally appropriate material and technology use can be a cost-effective means to curb the problem of tobacco and substance abuse.