Likelihood Of Smoking Cessation Research Articles

Association Between Cardiovascular Event Type and Smoking Cessation Rates Among Outpatients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Insights From the NCDR PINNACLE Registry.

It is unclear how the type of an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event potentially influences patients' likelihood of smoking cessation. Using 2013 to 2018 data from the US based National Cardiovascular Data Registry Practice Innovation and Clinical Excellence outpatient cardiac registry, we identified patients who were current smokers at a clinic visit and followed them over time for a subsequent ASCVD event. Self-reported smoking status was assessed at each consecutive visit and used to determine smoking cessation after each interim ASCVD event (myocardial infarction, percutaneous coronary intervention, coronary artery bypass graft, stroke/transient ischemic attack, peripheral artery disease). We constructed separate multivariable Cox models with nonproportional hazards to examine the association of each interim ASCVD event with smoking cessation, compared with not having an interim ASCVD event. We estimated the relative association of ASCVD event type with smoking cessation using contrast tests. Analyses were stratified by presence versus absence of ASCVD at baseline. Across 530 cardiology practices, we identified 1 933 283 current smokers (mean age 62±15, male 54%, ASCVD at baseline 50%). Among the 322 743 patients who had an interim ASCVD event and were still smoking, 41 336 (12.8%) quit smoking by their first subsequent clinic visit, which was higher among those with baseline ASCVD (13.4%) as compared with those without baseline ASCVD (11.5%). Each type of ASCVD event was associated with an increased likelihood of smoking. Patients who had an myocardial infarction, underwent coronary artery bypass graft (hazard ratio, 1.60 [95% CI, 1.55-1.65]), or had a stroke or transient ischemic attack were more likely to quit smoking as compared with those who underwent elective percutaneous coronary intervention or had a new diagnosis of peripheral artery disease (hazard ratio, 1.20 [95% CI, 1.17-1.22]). Only 13% of patients reported smoking cessation after an ASCVD event, with the type of event being associated with the likelihood of smoking cessation, prompting the need for patient-centered interventions.

Knowledge of the adverse effects of smoking and related changes in smoking status during pregnancy among female smokers: A survey in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia

ABSTRACT Smoking during pregnancy causes various health problems in pregnant women and their newborns. We aimed to clarify the association between smoking behavior during pregnancy and knowledge about health risks associated with active and passive smoking during pregnancy among women smokers prior to pregnancy. We conducted a questionnaire survey among women in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia between October and December 2018. Of the 220 women who received the questionnaire, 200 (90.9%) responded; however, due to incomplete data, 49 participants were excluded. Among the 151 participants included in the study, 80 (53.0%) actively smoked during and 71 (47.0%) quit smoking directly before pregnancy. A significant difference in the knowledge of the health risks associated with active smoking between both groups was found (P < 0.001). The likelihood of smoking cessation during pregnancy was higher in women who were more knowledgeable about the health risks of active smoking than in those who were less knowledgeable (odds ratio, 3.824; 95% confidence interval: 1.594–9.171). The prevalence of smoking during pregnancy was associated with a lack of knowledge of the health risks of active smoking. Therefore, measures should be taken to ensure that women are adequately advised about the maternal and fetal health risks associated with smoking during pregnancy and subsequently promote the well-being of both the mother and infant.

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.

Effect of Tobacco Cessation Aids on Smoking Cessation and Duration of Abstinence : a French Population-Based Study

IntroductionAlthough smoking prevalence has been decreasing worldwide, sustained tobacco cessation remains a challenging goal for many smokers. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) products remain among the most widespread type of cessation tobacco aids, along with the more recently introduced electronic cigarette, the efficiency of which is still a matter of debate in the public health community.ObjectivesThis study aims to contribute to the ongoing discussion about effective ways of encouraging tobacco cessation and in particular evaluating the role of the two aforementioned tobacco cessation aids with regard to lasting smoking abstinence in real-life settings.MethodsThe study is based on the French 2017 Health Barometer, a cross-sectional survey conducted by Santé Publique France. Two distinct outcomes related to tobacco cessation were used: smoking status at 6 months follow-up (yes vs. no) and the duration of smoking abstinence. These two study outcomes were examined respectively among N1 = 2783 and N2 = 1824 participants. All results were weighted based on inclusion probability weights and controlled for propensity scores via overlap weighting (OW), which is appropriate when exposure groups are disparate.ResultsAfter adjusting on potential confounders, tobacco cessation at 6 months remains significantly associated with e-cigarette use (OR: 1.50 (1.12-1.99)) and e-cigarette use combined with NRT (OR:1.88 (1.15-3.07)). This association did not reach statistical significance in the long-term analysis, nor did the results of NRT use alone in both analyses.ConclusionsOverall, while electronic cigarette use alone and combined with NRT is associated with an increase in the likelihood of smoking cessation, the long-term effects are probably limited.DisclosureNo significant relationships.

Adding vaping restrictions to smoke-free air laws: associations with conventional and electronic cigarette use.

In the United States, some states and localities have added vaping restrictions to established smoke-free indoor air laws in order to reduce electronic cigarette use. Yet, if smokers use e-cigarettes to quit, such restrictions could have the unintended effect of attenuating the original smoke-free air policy's effects on smoking. This study estimated changes in current smoking, past-year smoking cessation, and recent vaping following the introduction of smoke- and vape-free air laws. Observational study of nationally representative data from the 2014-2018 National Health Interview Survey. United States. 87 334 participants, 18-54years of age. Multivariable linear regressions estimated the association between increased exposure to smoke- and vape-free worksite and restaurant laws and self-reported current smoking and recent vaping among emerging adults (ages 18-25), as well as past-12-month smoking cessation among prime age adults (ages 26-54). All regressions adjusted for respondent sociodemographic and other tobacco control policies, along with state and year fixed effects. Smoke-free worksite laws were associated with significant reductions in the likelihood of current smoking ( =-0.050, 95% CI: -0.098, -0.002, P=0.038) and recent vaping ( =-0.040, 95% CI: -0.072, -0.007, P=0.013), as well as increases in the likelihood of smoking cessation ( =0.026, 95% CI: 0.000, 0.052, P=0.046). Adding vaping restrictions to smoke-free worksite laws did not yield further reductions in recent vaping ( =0.008, 95% CI: -0.021, 0.036, P=0.568) and counteracted over half of the estimated association with current smoking relative to smoke-free policies alone ( =0.030, 95% CI: -0.028, 0.088, P=0.301). From 2014 to 2018, increased adoption of smoke-free worksite laws in the United States was associated with reductions in both current smoking and recent vaping, as well as increases in smoking cessation. Adding vaping restrictions to smoke-free worksite laws, however, was not associated with a reduction in recent vaping among emerging adults and may have attenuated the smoke-free policy's impact on current smoking in this age group.

Is a colorectal neoplasm diagnosis a trigger to change dietary and other lifestyle habits for persons with Lynch syndrome? A prospective cohort study

A cancer diagnosis is suggested to be associated with changes in dietary and lifestyle habits. Whether this applies to persons with familial cancer, such as Lynch syndrome (LS) is unknown. We investigated whether a colorectal neoplasm (CRN) diagnosis in persons with LS is associated with changes in dietary and lifestyle habits over time. We used data of confirmed LS mutation carriers from the GEOLynch study, a prospective cohort study. Information on dietary intake and lifestyle habits was collected with a validated semi-quantitative food frequency questionnaire and a general questionnaire administered at baseline (2006–2008) and follow-up (2012–2017). Participants’ medical records were used to identify CRN diagnoses. Changes in dietary and lifestyle habits in the CRN and the no-CRN group were compared using multivariable linear regression models for continuous variables and cross-tables with percentage change at follow-up compared with baseline for categorical variables. Of the 324 included participants, 146 developed a CRN (CRN group) between baseline and follow-up, while 178 did not (no-CRN group). Smoking cessation was more often reported in the CRN than in the no-CRN group (41.4% vs. 35.0%). There were no differences in changes of energy intake, alcohol, red meat, processed meat, dairy, fruit, vegetables and dietary fiber consumption, BMI, physical activity and NSAID use. Apart from a potentially higher likelihood of smoking cessation, we found little evidence that a CRN diagnosis is associated with changes in lifestyle habits in persons with LS.

Abstract P249: Association Between Cardiovascular Event Type And Smoking Cessation Rates Among Outpatients With Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Insights From The Ncdr Pinnacle Registry

Introduction: Understanding the factors that drive cessation may help inform patient counseling and improve quit rates. We aimed to determine if the type of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) event impacts the patient’s likelihood of quitting, independent of patient factors. Hypothesis: We assessed the hypothesis that more impactful ASCVD events would be associated with a greater likelihood of smoking cessation (e.g., more likely to quit after CABG vs PCI). Methods: Using 2013-2016 data from the NCDR PINNACLE outpatient cardiac registry, we identified patients who were current smokers and had an eventual diagnosis of ASCVD. Self-reported smoking status was assessed at each consecutive visit and rates of smoking cessation after each interim ASCVD event (MI, PCI, CABG, stroke/TIA, and PAD diagnosis) were examined. We then constructed separate Cox models with non-proportional hazards for interim ASCVD events (time-dependent covariates), adjusting for age, sex, race, dyslipidemia, diabetes, hypertension, and heart failure; and compared models using AIC. Results: Across 358 cardiology practices, 378478 patients were smokers who eventually had ASCVD (mean age 65.8±11.9, male 63.6%). Cessation rates after each ASCVD event were: MI 30.5%, PCI 30.7%, CABG 28.5%, stroke/TIA 24.7%, and PAD 24.6% (Table). After multivariable adjustment, patients were more likely to quit smoking after a stroke/TIA (HR 2.46, 95% CI 2.40-2.52) followed by CABG (HR 2.45, 95% CI 2.37-2.53), PCI (HR 1.85, 95% CI 1.79-1.91), MI (HR 1.79, 95% CI 1.72-1.86), and a new diagnosis of PAD (HR 1.47, 95% CI 1.42-1.51); p&lt;0.0001 for all events. Conclusion: In a large US registry, we found that only ~25-30% of patients reported quitting smoking after an ASCVD event, but the type of ASCVD event significantly impacts the likelihood of smoking cessation. Using these data to inform patient counseling—targeting cessation efforts to those most likely to quit—may help improve outcomes.

The role of income and psychological distress in the relationship between work loss and smoking cessation: Findings from three International Tobacco Control (ITC) Europe countries.

INTRODUCTIONThe relationship between work loss and smoking has not been studied extensively, and underlying factors are often not examined. The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses. First, work loss is associated with greater intention to quit and more likelihood of smoking cessation, and this relationship is moderated by a decrease in income. Second, work loss is associated with lower quit intention and lower rates of smoking cessation, and this relationship is moderated by an increase in psychological distress.METHODSWe used pooled data from three countries participating in the ITC Project: France, Germany and the Netherlands (n=2712). We measured unemployment, income and psychological distress at two consecutive survey waves, and calculated changes between survey waves. We first conducted multiple logistic regression analyses to examine the association between work loss and smoking cessation behavior. Next, we added income decrease and psychological distress increase to the models. Finally, we added interaction terms of work loss by income decrease and work loss by distress increase to the model.RESULTSWork loss was not associated with quit intention, quit attempts, and quit success. When income decrease and psychological distress increase were added to the model, we found a positive association between distress increase and quit attempts. The interactions, however, were not statistically significant.CONCLUSIONSOur results indicate that smokers who become unemployed and face a decrease in income are not less likely to quit smoking than smokers who are employed.

Use of varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy in people with and without general practitioner-recorded dementia: retrospective cohort study of routine electronic medical records

ObjectivesOur primary objective was to estimate smoking prevalence and prescribing rates of varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in people with and without general practitioner (GP)-recorded dementia. Our secondary objective...

Association Between Electronic Cigarette Use and Smoking Reduction in France

The electronic cigarette (EC) has become popular among smokers who wish to reduce their tobacco use levels or quit smoking, but its effectiveness as a cessation aid is uncertain. To examine the association of regular EC use with the number of cigarettes smoked per day, smoking cessation among current smokers, and smoking relapse among former smokers. The CONSTANCES (Consultants des Centres d'Examens de Santé) cohort study, based in France, began recruiting participants January 6, 2012, and is currently ongoing. Participants were enrolled in CONSTANCES through 2015, and included 5400 smokers (mean [SD] follow-up of 23.4 [9.3] months) and 2025 former smokers (mean [SD] follow-up of 22.1 [8.6] months) at baseline who quit smoking in 2010, the year in which ECs were introduced in France, or afterward. Analyses were performed from February 8, 2017, to October 15, 2018. The association between EC use and the number of cigarettes smoked during follow-up was studied using mixed regression models. The likelihood of smoking cessation was studied using Poisson regression models with robust sandwich variance estimators. The association between EC use and smoking relapse among former smokers was studied using Cox proportional hazards regression models. All statistical analyses were adjusted for sociodemographic characteristics, duration of follow-up, and smoking characteristics. Among the 5400 daily smokers (2906 women and 2494 men; mean [SD] age, 44.9 [12.4] years), regular EC use was associated with a significantly higher decrease in the number of cigarettes smoked per day compared with daily smokers who did not use ECs (-4.4 [95% CI, -4.8 to -3.9] vs -2.7 [95% CI, -3.1 to -2.4]), as well as a higher adjusted relative risk of smoking cessation (1.67; 95% CI, 1.51-1.84]). At the same time, among the 2025 former smokers (1004 women and 1021 men; mean [SD] age, 43.6 [12.1] years), EC use was associated with an increase in the rate of smoking relapse among former smokers (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.25-2.30). This study's findings suggest that, among adult smokers, EC use appears to be associated with a decrease in smoking level and an increase in smoking cessation attempts but also with an increase in the level of smoking relapse in the general population after approximately 2 years of follow-up.

Use of Mentholated Cigarettes and Likelihood of Smoking Cessation in the United States: A Meta-Analysis.

Previous qualitative reviews have summarized evidence of an association between menthol cigarette use and likelihood of smoking cessation. The objective of this meta-analysis was to provide a quantitative summary of effect sizes, their variability, and factors related to the variability in effect size for the association between menthol use and likelihood of smoking cessation. We systematically searched Medline, PsycINFO, and Embase for prospective and cross-sectional studies of the association between menthol use and smoking cessation. We analyzed data with random effects meta-analyses and meta-regression. Our review identified 22 reports from 19 studies of the association between menthol use and cessation. All identified study samples included only US smokers, with one exception that included both Canadian and US smokers. Our overall model did not demonstrate a significant association between menthol use and cessation; however, menthol users were significantly less likely to quit among blacks/African American smokers (odds ratio = 0.88). Among blacks/African Americans predominantly in the US menthol users have approximately 12% lower odds of smoking cessation compared to non-menthol users. This difference is likely the result of the tobacco industry's ongoing marketing influence on the black/African American Community, suggesting that a menthol ban may have a unique public health benefit for black/African American smokers by encouraging quitting behavior. This study adds a quantitative summary of the association between menthol cigarette use and smoking cessation in the United States. Findings of an association with lower likelihood of cessation among black/African American smokers, likely resulting from the tobacco industry's marketing influence, support the ban of menthol flavoring as part of a comprehensive tobacco control effort to increase cessation among black/African American smokers.

Is the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence invariant across secular trends in smoking? A question for cross-birth cohort analysis of nicotine dependence

BackgroundThe Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), a derivation of the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire, was first published in 1991. The FTND remains one of the most widely used measures of nicotine dependence for studying genetic and epidemiological risk factors and the likelihood of smoking cessation. However, it is unclear whether secular trends in patterns of smoking alter the psychometric properties of the FTND and its interpretation. MethodsWe examined measurement invariance in the lifetime and current FTND scores across birth cohorts using participants drawn from six study samples (N = 13,775). ResultsWe found significant (p < 0.05) measurement non-invariance in means and factor loadings of most FTND items by birth cohort, but effect sizes, ranging from r2 = 0.0001 to r2 = 0.0035, indicated that less than 0.5% of the model variance was explained by the measurement non-invariance for each factor loading. To assess its impact, we regressed the lifetime FTND latent variable on well-established factors associated with nicotine dependence (quitting smoking and the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor gene [CHRNA5] variant rs16969968, separately), and we observed that the regression coefficients were unchanged between models with and without adjustment for measurement non-invariance. ConclusionsThese findings suggest that possible FTND non-invariance that occurs across study samples of various birth years has a negligible impact on study results.

Partner influences on smoking cessation: A longitudinal study of couple relationships

ABSTRACTIntroduction: Despite declines in population tobacco use, smoking remains unacceptably high. Smoking cessation may be particularly difficult in couple relationships when partners continue to smoke, and when relationship satisfaction is low. This study examined the longitudinal influence of partner tobacco use and relationship satisfaction on the likelihood of smoking cessation. Methods: Data were obtained from 238 tobacco-using couples aged between 18 and 45 over three assessments from a nationally representative sample of Australian households. Results: There was high concordance between partner smoking six years after the initial assessment, with a little more than three-quarters (76.1%) of non-smokers residing with partners who had also ceased smoking. Step-wise logistic regression models indicated that females were more likely to cease smoking if their partners had previously quit. Males were more likely to quit smoking when they perceived their relationship as highly satisfying and their partner had stopped smoking. Female partners were also more likely to quit smoking when they were highly satisfied with their relationships. Conclusions: Both partner’s smoking status and relationship satisfaction are important considerations in smoking-related cessation. For entrenched smokers in couple relationships, involvement of partners in interventions may be useful.

Smoking cessation in cardiac patients: the influence of action plans, coping plans and self-efficacy on quitting smoking.

Smoking cessation is the most effective action for cardiac patients who smoke to improve their prognosis, yet more than one-half of cardiac patients continue to smoke after hospital admission. This study examined the influence of action plans, coping plans and self-efficacy on intention to quit and smoking cessation in cardiac patients. Cardiac patients completed a baseline questionnaire (N = 245) assessing demographic characteristics, smoking behavior, intention, self-efficacy, relapse self-efficacy and action and coping plans. Six months later (N = 184) continued abstinence from smoking was assessed. Self-efficacy predicted intention to quit smoking and was an indirect predictor of continued abstinence, through intention. Intention to quit smoking and making action plans both directly influenced continued abstinence. Future interventions to facilitate smoking cessation in cardiac patients should put strong emphasis on enhancing self-efficacy and on making specific action plans to increase the likelihood of smoking cessation.

The influence of perceived neighborhood disorder on smoking cessation among urban safety net hospital patients

BackgroundAlthough research has shown that objective neighborhood characteristics are associated with health behaviors including smoking, little is known about the influence of perceived neighborhood characteristics on a smoking cessation attempt. MethodsParticipants (N=139) enrolled in a Dallas safety-net hospital smoking cessation program were followed from 1 week pre-quit through 4 weeks post-quit. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to evaluate the impact of perceived neighborhood order and disorder on the likelihood of achieving biochemically verified point prevalence and continuous smoking abstinence 4 weeks following a scheduled quit attempt. Analyses were adjusted for demographic characteristics, cigarettes per day, intervention group, and pharmacological treatment. ResultsParticipants were primarily non-White (72.7%) and female (56.8%) with a mean age of 52.5 (SD=3.7) years. Most reported an annual household income of ≤$25,000 (86.3%). Logistic regression analyses indicated that greater neighborhood physical (p=.048) and social order (p=.039) were associated with a greater likelihood of achieving point prevalence smoking abstinence at 4 weeks post-quit. Greater perceived physical (p=.035) and social disorder (p=.039) and total neighborhood disorder (p=.014), were associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving point prevalence abstinence. Social disorder (p=.040) was associated with a reduced likelihood of achieving continuous abstinence at 4 weeks post-quit, while social order (p=.020) was associated with an increased likelihood of continuous abstinence. ConclusionsPerceptions of neighborhood order and disorder were associated with the likelihood of smoking cessation among socioeconomically disadvantaged smokers making a quit attempt. Findings highlight the need to address perceptions of the neighborhood environment among disadvantaged smokers seeking treatment.

Predictors of smoking cessation among persons in remission from substance-use disorders

Though remission of substance-use disorders (SUDs) has been correlated with increased odds of smoking cessation, a subgroup of remitters continues to smoke. However, information regarding this population is lacking. Data from the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions were analyzed. The sample included 1417 smokers with SUDs who completed Wave 1 (Baseline) and Wave 2 (Follow-up) assessments. Results indicated that the presence of generalized anxiety disorder, Cluster A personality disorders, major depression/dysthymic disorder, or manic depression/hypomanic disorder since Wave 1 was associated with a reduced likelihood of smoking cessation. These data suggest that healthcare providers who treat smokers in remission from SUDs should carefully assess for the presence of mood disorders and provide appropriate treatment, as well as offering adjunctive evidence-based smoking cessation treatments.

The effect of telephone support interventions on coronary artery disease (CAD) patient outcomes during cardiac rehabilitation: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BackgroundCardiac rehabilitation is offered to individuals after cardiac events to aid recovery and reduce the likelihood of further cardiac illness. However, patient participation remains suboptimal and the provision of high quality care to an expanding population of patients with chronic heart conditions is becoming increasingly difficult. A systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to determine the effect of telephone support interventions compared with standard post-discharge care on coronary artery disease patient outcomes.MethodsThe Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, and CINAHL were searched and randomized controlled trials that directly compared telephone interventions with standard post-discharge care in adults following a myocardial infarction or a revascularization procedure were included. Study selection, data extraction and quality assessment were completed independently by two reviewers. Where appropriate, outcome data were combined and analyzed using a random effects model. For each dichotomous outcome, odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were derived for each outcome. For continuous outcomes, weighted mean differences (WMD) and standardized mean differences (SMD) and 95% CI were calculated.Results26 studies met the inclusion criteria. No difference was observed in mortality between the telephone group and the group receiving standard care OR 1.12 (0.71, 1.77). The intervention was significantly associated with fewer hospitalizations than the comparison group OR 0.62 (0.40, 0.97). Significantly more participants in the telephone group stopped smoking OR 1.32 (1.07, 1.62); had lower systolic blood pressure WMD −0.22 (−0.40, −0.04); lower depression scores SMD −0.10 (−0.21, −0.00); and lower anxiety scores SMD −0.14 (−0.24, −0.04). However, no significant difference was observed for low-density lipoprotein levels WMD −0.10 (−0.23, 0.03).ConclusionsCompared to standard post-discharge care, regular telephone support interventions may help reduce feelings of anxiety and depression as well as, improve systolic blood pressure control and the likelihood of smoking cessation.

Occupational Factors and Smoking Cessation among Unionized Building Trades Workers

The purpose of this study was to estimate the contribution of occupational factors to smoking cessation among building trades workers. Longitudinal data came from the MassBUILT smoking cessation intervention study for unionized building trades workers. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the significant predictors of smoking cessation, which was defined as abstinence from smoking during the previous 7 days at the 1-month monitoring and prolonged abstinence for at least 6 months at the 6-month monitoring. Greater concern about exposure to occupational hazards was significantly associated with increased likelihood of smoking cessation at 1 month (odds ratio = 1.06; 95% confidence interval = 1.01-1.11). Additionally, smokers who had a more positive view of their unions had at least marginally increased likelihood of smoking cessation at 1 month. Furthermore, older age, higher levels of educational attainment and household income, and fewer cigarettes smoked per day were important covariates that predicted smoking cessation. Concerns about exposures to work hazards should be incorporated into comprehensive intervention approaches for building trades workers. Additionally, the findings emphasize that blue-collar workers with lower income and education levels and heavy smokers should be considered target groups for implementing cessation interventions.

Does Change in Perception Following Counseling Result in Improved Quitting Outcome Among Malaysian Smokers?

The authors examined the effects that change in perception about the advantages and disadvantages of smoking and quitting had on quitting outcome among smokers enrolled in a program for smoking cessation. A total of 185 smokers from 2 public universities who were interested in quitting received smoking cessation counseling on understanding the risks and benefits of quitting (or smoking) in addition to a course of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). A decisional balance questionnaire (DBQ) was administered at baseline and at 2 months postcounseling to determine and assess changes in smoking perception. After counseling, 72.3% of smokers had reduced their perceptions about the advantages of smoking, and 66.4% had increased perceptions of disadvantages of smoking. At the eighth week, 51 participants (27%) had quit. Smokers who had reduced perceptions of the advantages of smoking had significantly higher quit rates compared with those with no improvement in perception (82.6% vs 17.4%; odds ratio = 2.47; 95% confidence interval = 1.00-6.10). After counseling, smokers did change their perception of the advantages and disadvantages of smoking during the quitting process. These changes are associated with a higher likelihood of smoking cessation.

FDA Finding May Curb Mentholated Cigarette Availability

T he availability of menthol cigarettes increases the likelihood that youths and African Americans will become habitual smokers, making menthols a greater public-health hazard than regular brands, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee (TPSAC) said at its mid-March meeting. “The availability of menthol cigarettes has an adverse impact on public health by increasing the number of smokers and increasing the number of avoidable deaths and premature mortality,” said committee member Mark Stuart Clanton, M.D., chief medical officer of the American Cancer Society’s High Plains Division. However, the committee found insuffi cient evidence to conclude that smoking menthols increases the likelihood of addiction among all adults. Nor did evidence indicate that mentholated brands are more dangerous than regular cigarettes, which increase lung and other cancers, heart disease, emphysema, and other chronic conditions. The TPSAC’s conclusions came after a year-long review of epidemiological and physiological studies of menthol smokers in the past decade. The committee’s fi ndings could lead to stepped-up FDA regulation of mentholated brands, which could go as far as a ban. The FDA has until mid-June to issue its fi nal review of the evidence. Agency officials were noncommittal about what actions they might take in response to the TPSAC report. “We do recognize the strong interest in this issue,” said Lawrence Deyton, M.D., director of the Center for Tobacco Products at FDA. “Now it’s up to us to do our job.” The 2009 Tobacco Control Act, which created TPSAC and gave the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco, targeted menthol cigarettes as the fi rst product for heightened scrutiny because of mounting evidence that mentholated brands ultimately lead to lifelong smoking by youths and minorities. The consensus statement of the eight-member panel (three industry representatives on the committee were not allowed to vote on the fi nal recommendations) said the evidence was suffi cient to reach that conclusion. The committee found that menthol brands increase experimentation and regular smoking, as well as increase the likelihood of addiction in young smokers and African-Americans, 80% of whom prefer menthols. It also found that smoking menthols makes the success of smokingcessation programs less likely. “Youths who initiate with menthol cigarettes are more likely to become daily, regular smokers than those who initiate with nonmenthol cigarettes, [and] adolescent menthol smokers have a higher prevalence of addiction than those who smoke nonmenthol cigarettes,” Clanton said. Also, “the availability of menthol cigarettes results in lower likelihood of smoking cessation in AfricanAmericans [than that for] nonmenthol cigarettes.”