Behavioral Counseling Sessions Research Articles

Using Nicotine Gum to Assist Nondaily Smokers in Quitting: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Non-daily intermittent smokers (ITS) comprise 30% of US adult smokers. ITS smoke for nicotine and have trouble quitting, but tend to smoke in particular situations. This study tested the effect of nicotine gum, used to prevent or react to situational temptations, for helping ITS quit. ITS (smoking 4-27 days/month) seeking help quitting were randomized to 2 mg nicotine gum (n = 181) or placebo (n = 188), to be used to anticipate or react to temptations to smoke, for 8 weeks. Participants received up to six sessions of behavioral counseling. The primary outcome was 6-month biochemically verified continuous abstinence; analyses also examined 14-day point-prevalence abstinence at multiple time points, and used event-history analyses to assess progression to abstinence, lapsing, and relapsing. Analyses adjusted for group differences in age and baseline smoking, and considered several potential moderators of treatment effects. Nicotine gum did not significantly improve outcomes on any measure. Biochemically verified 6-month continuous abstinence rates were 7.2% for active gum and 5.3% for placebo (AOR = 1.39, 0.58-3.29, p > .25). ITS with any degree of dependence (Fagerstrom Test of Nicotine Dependence scores >0) showed poorer outcomes on multiple endpoints, and did more poorly on active gum on some outcomes. Gum use was low, starting at 1 gum per day on average and declining over time. Nicotine gum (2 mg), used intermittently, did not improve cessation rates among ITS, including those demonstrating some degree of dependence. Nicotine replacement has been extensively tested with daily smokers, especially those who smoke relatively heavily. Nondaily smoking is now common, creating a need for treatment for ITS. Despite evidence that ITS' smoking is motivated by nicotine-seeking, a theoretically and empirically derived situational approach to using acute nicotine replacement was not successful at helping ITS quit. Gum use was low; whether higher or more frequent dosing is needed, or whether an entirely different approach is needed, is not clear. Effective treatment options are needed for ITS, especially those with some degree of dependence.

Can behavioral strategies increase physical activity and influence depressive symptoms and quality of life among children with epilepsy? Results of a randomized controlled trial

PurposeThis study examined whether increasing physical activity (PA) through 6 months of behavioral counseling positively influenced depressive symptoms and quality of life (QoL) over 12 months among children with epilepsy (CWE). MethodsA longitudinal multisite randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted with 8–14-year-old children with active epilepsy. Participants wore a pedometer to track daily PA and completed 3 measures at 4 time points to examine depressive symptoms and QoL. Stratified by site and activity level, participants were randomized to an intervention or control group. The 6-month intervention included 11 behavioral counseling sessions targeting self-regulation of PA. To assess the associations among PA, depression scores, and QoL, primary analysis involved mixed-effects models. ResultsWe recruited 122 CWE, of whom 115 were randomized (Mage = 11 ± 2; 50% female) and included in the analysis. The intervention did not increase PA in the treatment compared with the control group. No differences were found between groups over time during the subsequent 6 months, where PA decreased among all participants. Results did not show differences between the groups and over time for measures of depressive symptoms and QoL. SignificanceThe intervention did not improve or sustain PA levels over 12 months. Both groups demonstrated declines in PA over one year, but there were no changes in depression scores or QoL. As most participants were already nearly reaching the Canadian average of step counts of children their age, with a baseline daily step count of over 9000, there may be a challenge for further increasing PA over a longer period.

Effectiveness of cognitive behavioral counseling-based film therapy on the communication skills of females with low sexual Desire

Context: Several researchers emphasized to develop cost-effective and easy interventions in this field as communicating about the relationship is the first step of healing. Aims: This study was aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral counseling based on film therapy on the communication skills of females with low sexual function. Setting and Design: In this clinical trial study, fifty subjects selected among females referred to health centers of Gonbad-e Kavus City-Iran. Materials and Methods: Samples randomized through permuted block randomization into two intervention (N=25) and control (N=25) groups. The intervention group participated in eight sessions of cognitive behavioral counseling (CBC)-based film therapy while the control group did not receive any intervention. All participants assessed by demographic, Arizona Sexual Experience Scale and Jerabeck Communication Skills Scales in pre and post intervention stages. Statistical Analysis Used: Data is analyzed using descriptive& independent t-test. Results: Findings showed that the two groups did not differ significantly in terms of age, education, and duration of marriage. The control (65.65 ± 6.75) and intervention groups (66.18 ± 7.32) were not significantly different in terms of communication skills before the intervention. However, in the postintervention phase, there was a significant difference between the control (66.04 ± 7.29) and intervention (74.95 ± 6.12) groups in term of communication skills (P Conclusion: Based on the findings of this study, CBT based on film therapy can improve communication skills among females with low sexual function in all aspects. Therefore, it is recommended to use this therapeutic approach to improve couples' relationships with low sexual performance.

The Contribution of Assertive Technique Behavioral Counseling to Minimize the Juvenile Delinquency Behavior

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of behavioral counseling using assertive technique to minimize the juvenile delinquency of students. This research is an experimental research design. The study population was the eighth grade students in South Solok West Sumatra consist of 82 students using Random Sampling. Data collection methods that used in this study were a questionnaire method. Data were analyzed by t-test with SPSS 20.0 for Windows. The results showed that there are significant differences between the groups which have deviant behavior who take behavioral counseling session with a group of students who do not follow the behavioral counseling session. It could be seen from a group of students who take behavioral counseling session (133.17) compare with a group of students who do not follow behavioral counseling session (85.32), and from the analysis of t with df = 82 and 1% significance level (t = 0.053, p <0.01). So the application of behavioral counseling Training assertive techniques to minimize misbehavior is effective to reduce the juvenile delinquency of students.

A Reimbursable Counseling Intervention Improves Physical Activity and Function for Primary Care Patients with Type 2 Diabetes

Physical activity (PA) is a cornerstone of treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D). Among other benefits, regular PA improves physical function which can prevent institutionalization. However, effective PA interventions are not widely adopted in primary care. Our recent systematic review identified an effective PA intervention for adults with T2D that was nearly pragmatic enough for use in primary care. However, it still required adaptation to fit clinic work flows and to be reimbursed by insurance. After adapting the intervention (Be ACTIVE) to address these issues, we hypothesized Be ACTIVE would improve PA and physical function relative to randomized controls. This pragmatic pilot trial randomized adults with T2D to 12 weeks of Be ACTIVE (6 telephone behavioral counseling sessions + PA tracking (FitBit©); 3 primary care visits to teach strength exercises + monitor safety) vs. enhanced usual care (3 self-management mailings). At baseline and post-intervention, we assessed PA with Actigraph© accelerometers (steps/week) and physical function by a timed 400-meter walk (sec) and the Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB, 0-12 scale). To date, we have completed assessments for 15 participants (n=8 Be ACTIVE, n=7 controls). Pre-post PA increased by 19.8% in the Be ACTIVE group (+5122 ± 10steps/week; data shown as mean ± SE) and decreased by 15.9% in controls (-3122 ± 1233 steps/week). SPPB scores increased by a clinically important >1-point difference in the Be ACTIVE group (+1.1 ± 0.2), and were stable in controls (+0.3 ± 0.1). The 400-meter walk time improved by 10.3% in Be ACTIVE participants (-38.3 ± 6.6 sec) and declined by 5.4% in controls (+17.3 ± 6.4 sec). Be ACTIVE is a reimbursable intervention delivered by primary care staff. Strong pilot data support that Be ACTIVE improves PA/physical function. If our data remain promising at trial completion, the next step towards broader dissemination will be to test Be ACTIVE in multiple clinical settings. Disclosure A.G. Huebschmann: Research Support; Self; Merck &Co., Inc..I.M. Leavitt: None.R. Glasgow: None.J.G. Regensteiner: None.A.L. Dunn: None.

A randomized controlled evaluation of the tobacco status project, a Facebook intervention for young adults.

To test the efficacy of the Tobacco Status Project (TSP) Facebook smoking cessation intervention for young adults relative to referral to an on-line program on biochemically verified 7-day abstinence from smoking. Two-group parallel randomized controlled trial, comparing TSP (n=251) to on-line control (n=249) with follow-up to 12months. On-line, throughout the United States. Young adult cigarette smokers (mean age 21years; 73% white, 55% female, 87% daily smokers). TSP provided private Facebook groups tailored to stage of change to quit smoking, daily contacts, weekly live counseling sessions, and for those ready to quit, six cognitive behavioral therapy counseling sessions. Some TSP groups were assigned randomly to receive a monetary incentive for engagement. Control provided referral to the National Cancer Institute Smokefree.gov website. PRIMARY OUTCOME: Biochemically verified 7-day abstinence over 12months. Post-treatment (3-month) abstinence; reported abstinence, quit attempt, reduction in smoking, readiness to quit smoking over 12months. Verified 7-day abstinence was not significantly different for intervention compared with control over 1year: month 3 (8.3 versus 3.2%), 6 (6.2 versus 6.0%), and 12 (5.9 versus 10.0%); odds ratio (OR)=1.07; 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.23, 4.97; retention=71%. There was an effect at 3 months (OR=2.52; CI=1.56, 4.04; P<0.0001). There were no 12-month treatment effects for reported abstinence (P=0.746), reduction in smoking by 50% or more (P=0.533), likelihood of having made a quit attempt (P=0.387) or stage of change over time (0.968). Participants in TSP engaged more and rated the intervention more favorably than those in the control condition. Compared with referral to a smoking cessation website, a novel USA-focused Facebook smoking cessation intervention did not improve abstinence from smoking over 1year, but increased abstinence at the end of treatment and was engaging to participants.

Associations Between Comorbid Health Conditions and Quit Outcomes Among Smokers Enrolled in a State Quitline, Arizona, 2011-2016.

Smokers with comorbid health conditions have a disproportionate burden of tobacco-related death and disease. A better understanding of differences in quit rates among smokers with comorbid health conditions can guide tailoring of quitline services for subgroups. The objective of this study was to examine self-reported tobacco cessation rates among Arizona Smokers' Helpline callers with chronic health conditions (CHCs) and/or a mental health condition (MHC). We analyzed data from quitline telephone callers (n = 39 779) who enrolled in and completed at least 1 behavioral counseling session (ie, coaching call). We categorized callers as CHC only (cardiovascular disease/respiratory-related/cancer; 32%), MHC only (eg, mood/anxiety/substance dependence; 13%), CHC + MHC (25%), or no comorbid condition (30%). We assessed 30-day abstinence at 7-month follow-up for 16 683 clients (41.9%). We used logistic regression analysis to test associations between comorbidity and quit outcomes after controlling for relevant variables (eg, nicotine dependence). Overall quit rates were 45.4% for those with no comorbid condition, 43.3% for those with a CHC only, 37.0% for those with an MHC only, and 33.3% for those with CHC + MHC. Compared with other groups, the CHC + MHC group had the lowest odds of quitting (adjusted odds ratio = 0.60; 95% confidence interval, 0.52-0.69). Having a comorbid condition was associated with lower quit rates, and smokers with co-occurring CHCs and MHCs had the lowest quit rates. Quitlines should evaluate more intensive, evidence-driven, tailored services for smoking cessation among callers with comorbid conditions.

The Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy on Marital Quality among Women.

BackgroundMarital quality reflects the individual’s overall evaluation of marital relationship. The aim of study was examine the effect of cognitive behavioral counseling on marital quality among women.Materials and MethodsThe experimental study was a randomized clinical trial with two groups, on 198 qualified women who referred to selected health care centers in Hamadan, Iran in 2016. The intervention participants attended four 90-minute sessions of cognitive behavioral counseling. Demographic information questionnaire and marital qual- ity scale [Revised Dyadic Adjustment Scale (RDAS)] were completed by the two groups before and after the interven- tion. To perform the comparisons, t test, Chi-square test and Fisher’s test, Logistic Regression and covariance analysis were used. Covariance analysis or change analysis were employed. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS Software, version 21.0. The significance level was set at 5% (P<0.05).ResultsAccording to the results of the present study, the mean age in the control group and the intervention group was 23.58 ± 7.54 and 35.04 ± 7.91 years old, respectively. Covariance analysis was utilized to examine the marital quality scores. In this analysis, after modification of the variables of age, marital quality score of agreement and sat- isfaction before the intervention, and income status, the total marital quality score experienced a significant change in all dimensions (P<0.05) and the mean scores increased remarkably. Moreover, according to the cut-off point of the dimensions, the scores of all dimensions increased remarkably and the proportion of individuals with high marital quality before and after the intervention changed significantly (P<0.05).ConclusionDue to the role of sexual relations in stabilizing marriage, cognitive behavioral consultation was effective in improving marital quality especially after agreement and can be used in health care centers in order to improve the relationship between couples and reduce divorce rates (Registration number: IRCT201610209014N125).

Cancer-related disease factors and smoking cessation treatment: Analysis of an ongoing clinical trial.

Smoking cessation treatment should be an important aspect of cancer care. In this study, we evaluated whether cancer-related disease factors adversely influence smoking cessation treatment. Smokers with cancer (within 5years of diagnosis, any tumor site) were recruited for an ongoing trial of varenicline for smoking cessation. Disease factors, assessed at baseline, included tumor site, cancer treatment, time since diagnosis, and health-related quality of life. Medication adherence was defined by 132 of 165 pills taken and counseling adherence was defined by 4 of 4 behavioral counseling sessions attended. Abstinence was bioverified at Week 12. Using logistic regression analysis, we assessed the relationship between disease factors and 12-week medication adherence, counseling adherence, and abstinence. Of 144 participants, 56% were medication adherent, 74% were counseling adherent, and 39% were abstinent. Health-related quality of life predicted medication adherence (OR: 1.08, 95% CI, 1.01-1.16, P=.019, d=0.20) but not counseling adherence or 12-week abstinence. Tumor site, cancer treatment, and time since diagnosis did not predict any smoking cessation treatment outcomes. Cancer-related disease factors did not predict cancer survivors' engagement or success in smoking cessation treatment. Findings support National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice guidelines that recommend smoking cessation treatment for all smokers with cancer, regardless of time since diagnosis.

Factors Associated with Adherence to Transdermal Nicotine Patches within a Smoking Cessation Effectiveness Trial.

Adherence to transdermal nicotine patches, one of the most popular and effective treatment for nicotine dependence, remains very low and is a strong predictor of cessation rates. This study examined individual factors related to adherence as well as differences over time between adherent (≥ 80% of daily patch use) and non-adherent participants (< 80% of daily patch use). We analyzed data from 440 participants who received 8 weeks of 21mg transdermal nicotine and 4 behavioral counseling sessions within an effectiveness trial that examined the effects of long-term treatment. Multiple logistical regression assessed baseline variables associated with patch adherence and generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate changes in craving and withdrawal, depressive and anxiety symptoms, substitute and complementary reinforcers, and side effects between participants who were or were not adherent. In a logistic regression model, being female, living with a child or children, and higher self-reported anxiety symptoms were predictive of lower patch adherence (p < .05). In the GEE analysis, adherence was significantly associated with: a greater reduction in craving, a greater engagement in substitute reinforcers, and a greater decrease in complementary reinforcers over time (p < .05). Difficulties adhering to transdermal nicotine patches may be related to psychiatric comorbidity, difficulty managing nicotine craving, and challenges with engaging in substitute reinforcers and reducing exposure to complementary reinforcers. These constructs may serve as targets for interventions designed to increase treatment adherence.

Step Care treatment for smoking cessation.

We compared the effectiveness of a ‘stepped care’ approach with increasing treatment intensity (‘Step Care’) to one with repeated treatments (‘Recycle’) among cigarette smokers interested in quitting smoking. Step 1 of the Step Care intervention consisted of a single counseling session, nicotine patch for six weeks and telephonic contact. For smokers not achieving tobacco abstinence 6 months after randomization with Step 1, the intensity of the intervention increased to four counseling sessions, bupropion sustained-release, nine telephone calls and three mailings (Step 2). For those not achieving tobacco abstinence 12 months after randomization, smokers received six behavioral counseling sessions, nicotine patch and nicotine gum, nine telephone calls and three mailings (Step 3). The Recycle participants received one session of health behavior counseling, six weeks of the nicotine patch and a telephone call at each step. 270 cigarette smokers were randomized. At 24 months after randomization using an intention to treat analysis, no statistically significant difference was observed in prolonged smoking abstinence between the Step Care and Recycle condition (16.9% versus 9.4%; adjusted OR = 1.88; 95% CI 0.88–4.01; P =0.10). Additional research is needed to explore whether a stepped care intervention increases long-term smoking abstinence rates compared with repeating the same intervention.

Diabetes Prevention Interventions in Latin American Countries: a Scoping Review.

Public policies, population health initiatives, and targeted behavioral change interventions for individuals at risk for developing diabetes are all essential for diabetes prevention in Latin American countries (LACs). This scoping review examines (1) the current evidence on diabetes prevention policies and interventions in LACs to identify components of effective diabetes prevention models in those countries and (2) effective diabetes prevention interventions targeting Latino populations in the USA to explore possible lessons from these interventions for LACs. Diabetes prevention programs in LACs evaluated to date consist of short-term health professional-led face-to-face behavioral counseling sessions. Intervention components of US-based programs for Latinos that might benefit diabetes prevention programs in Latin America include (1) deployment of community health workers ("promotoras") for diabetes screening and delivery of lifestyle modification programs, (2) multiple modes of program delivery beyond face-to-face sessions, (3) information technology to automate and enhance program delivery, (4) leveraging of pre-existing familial relationships to engage in and sustain lifestyle modifications, and (5) innovative environmental change strategies such as collaborations with local food stores and markets to promote healthy behaviors.

The use of varenicline to treat nicotine dependence among patients with cancer.

Continuing to smoke after a cancer diagnosis can adversely influence the prognosis for patients with cancer. However, remarkably few studies have carefully examined the use of first-line FDA-approved medications for nicotine dependence in patients with cancer. This study evaluated the feasibility, safety, and effect on cessation of varenicline for smoking cessation in patients with cancer. Data from 132 treatment-seeking smokers who received 12 weeks of open-label varenicline and five brief behavioral counseling sessions were used to evaluate the feasibility, safety, and impact on cessation of varenicline. The effects of abstinence on cognitive function and affect were also explored. Of 459 patients screened, 306 were eligible for the study (66.7%) and 132 entered treatment (43.1%). Retention was 84.1% over 12 weeks. The rate of biochemically verified abstinence at week 12 was 40.2%. Expected side effects were reported (e.g. sleep problems, nausea), but there were no reports of elevated depressed mood, suicidal thoughts, or cardiovascular events. Abstinence was associated with improved cognitive function and reduced negative affect over time (p < 0.05). Although many patients with cancer who smoke did not enroll in treatment, the side effect profile of varenicline and its effect on short-term cessation converge with what is seen in the general population. Further, as with the general population, abstinence while taking varenicline may lead to improved cognitive function and reduced negative affect. The present data support the use of varenicline to help patients with cancer to quit smoking.

The influence of personality traits on smokers' affect, withdrawal and cessation intervention outcome

The personality traits of harm avoidance (HA), novelty seeking (NS), and reward dependence (RD), as measured by the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ), have been linked to smoking behavior. The extent to which these traits are associated with smoking withdrawal and cessation outcome is unclear. We sought to address this question among 131 treatment-seeking smokers who were randomly assigned to either a smoking cessation treatment (four 30-min behavioral counseling sessions) or a control condition. We found that HA was positively associated with baseline depressive symptoms, baseline negative affect, and post-quit withdrawal, and negatively associated with positive affect at both baseline and post-quit. Additionally, we found that smokers with higher HA scores were more likely to be abstinent. NS was negatively associated with post-quit positive affect and positively associated with post-quit negative affect and withdrawal. RD was not found to be related to any outcome measures. Our findings suggest that, despite experiencing greater baseline and post-quit negative affect, smokers higher in trait harm avoidance are more likely to quit smoking. The treatment and theoretical ramifications of these findings are discussed.

The Tobacco Status Project (TSP): Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial of a Facebook smoking cessation intervention for young adults.

BackgroundTobacco use remains the leading cause of premature morbidity and mortality in the United States. Young adults are less successful at quitting, use cessation treatment less often than smokers of other ages, and can be a challenge to retain in treatment. Social media, integrated into the lives of many young adults, represents a promising strategy to deliver evidence-based smoking cessation treatment to a large, diverse audience. The goal of this trial is to test the efficacy of a stage-based smoking cessation intervention on Facebook for young adults age 18 to 25 on smoking abstinence, reduction in cigarettes smoked, and thoughts about smoking abstinence.Methods/DesignThis is a randomized controlled trial. Young adult smokers throughout the United States are recruited online and randomized to either the 3 month Tobacco Status Project intervention on Facebook or a referral to a smoking cessation website. The intervention consists of assignment to a secret Facebook group tailored to readiness to quit smoking (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation), daily Facebook contacts tailored to readiness to quit smoking, weekly live counseling sessions, and for those in preparation, weekly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy counseling sessions on Facebook. Primary outcome measure is biochemically-verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence from smoking at posttreatment (3 months), 6, and 12 months. Secondary outcome measures are reduction of 50 % or more in cigarettes smoked, 24 h quit attempts, and commitment to abstinence at each time point. A secondary aim is to test, within the TSP condition, the effect of a monetary incentive at increasing engagement in the intervention.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial is testing a novel Facebook intervention for treating young adults’ tobacco use. If efficacious, the social media intervention could be disseminated widely and expanded to address additional health risks.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02207036, May 13, 2014.

Lifestyle modification for resistant hypertension: The TRIUMPH randomized clinical trial

Resistant hypertension (RH) is a growing health burden in this country affecting as many as 1 in 5 adults being treated for hypertension. Resistant hypertension is associated with increased risk of adverse cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and all-cause mortality. Strategies to reduce blood pressure (BP) in this high-risk population are a national priority. TRIUMPH is a single-site, prospective, randomized clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of a center-based lifestyle intervention consisting of exercise training, reduced sodium and calorie Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension eating plan, and weight management compared to standardized education and physician advice in treating patients with RH. Patients (n = 150) will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either a 4-month supervised lifestyle intervention delivered in the setting of a cardiac rehabilitation center or to a standardized behavioral counseling session to simulate real-world medical practice. The primary end point is clinic BP; secondary end points include ambulatory BP and an array of CVD biomarkers including left ventricular hypertrophy, arterial stiffness, baroreceptor reflex sensitivity, insulin resistance, lipids, sympathetic nervous system activity, and inflammatory markers. Lifestyle habits, BP, and CVD risk factors also will be measured at 1-year follow-up. The TRIUMPH randomized clinical trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02342808) is designed to test the efficacy of an intensive, center-based lifestyle intervention compared to a standardized education and physician advice counseling session on BP and CVD biomarkers in patients with RH after 4 months of treatment and will determine whether lifestyle changes can be maintained for a year.

Rate of Nicotine Metabolism and Smoking Cessation Outcomes in a Community-based Sample of Treatment-Seeking Smokers

BackgroundIn samples from controlled randomized clinical trials, a smoker’s rate of nicotine metabolism, measured by the 3-hydroxycotinine to cotinine ratio (NMR), predicts response to transdermal nicotine. Replication of this relationship in community-based samples of treatment-seeking smokers may help guide the implementation of the NMR for personalized treatment for nicotine dependence. MethodsData from a community-based sample of treatment seeking smokers (N=499) who received 8weeks of transdermal nicotine and 4 behavioral counseling sessions were used to evaluate associations between the NMR and smoking cessation. Secondary outcomes included withdrawal and craving, depression and anxiety, side effects, and treatment adherence. ResultsThe NMR was a significant predictor of abstinence (OR=.56, 95% CI: 0.33-0.95, p=.03), with faster metabolizers showing lower quit rates than slower metabolizers (24% vs. 33%). Faster nicotine metabolizers exhibited significantly higher levels of anxiety symptoms over time during treatment, vs. slower metabolizers (NMR x Time interaction: F[3,357]=3.29, p=.02). NMR was not associated with changes in withdrawal, craving, depression, side effects, and treatment adherence (p’s>.05). ConclusionsIn a community-based sample of treatment-seeking smokers, faster nicotine metabolizers were significantly less likely to quit smoking and showed higher rates of anxiety symptoms during a smoking cessation treatment program, vs. slower nicotine metabolizers. These results provide further evidence that transdermal nicotine is less effective for faster nicotine metabolizers and suggest the need to address cessation-induced anxiety symptoms among these smokers to increase the chances for successful smoking cessation.

Race and Medication Adherence Moderate Cessation Outcomes in Criminal Justice Smokers.

Smokers in the criminal justice system represent some of the most disadvantaged smokers in the U.S., as they have high rates of smoking (70%-80%) and are primarily uninsured, with low access to medical interventions. Few studies have examined smoking-cessation interventions in racially diverse smokers, and none have examined these characteristics among individuals supervised in the community. The purpose of this study is to determine if four sessions of standard behavioral counseling for smoking cessation would differentially aid smoking cessation for African American versus non-Hispanic white smokers under community corrections supervision. An RCT. Five hundred smokers under community corrections supervision were recruited between 2009 and 2013 via flyers posted at the community corrections offices. All participants received 12 weeks of bupropion plus brief physician advice to quit smoking. Half of the participants received four sessions of 20-30 minutes of smoking-cessation counseling following tobacco treatment guidelines, whereas half received no additional counseling. Generalized estimating equations were used to determine factors associated with smoking abstinence across time. Analyses were conducted in 2014. The end-of-treatment abstinence rate across groups was 9.4%, with no significant main effects indicating group differences. However, behavioral counseling had a differential effect on cessation: whites who received counseling had higher quit rates than whites who did not receive counseling. Conversely, African Americans who did not receive counseling had higher average cessation rates than African Americans who received counseling. Overall, medication-adherent African American smokers had higher abstinence rates relative to other smokers. Racial disparities in smoking cessation are not evident among those who are adherent to medication. More research is needed to better understand the differential effect that behavioral counseling might have on treatment outcomes between white and African American smokers under community corrections supervision.

Predictors of adherence to pharmacological and behavioral treatment in a cessation trial among smokers in Aleppo, Syria

IntroductionThe development of evidence-based smoking cessation programs is in its infancy in developing countries, which continue to bear the main brunt of the tobacco epidemic. Adherence to treatment recommendations is an important determinant of the success of smoking cessation programs, but little is known about factors influencing adherence to either pharmacological or behavioral treatment in developing countries settings. Our study represents the first attempt to examine the predictors of adherence to cessation treatment in a low-income developing country. MethodsPredictors of adherence to pharmacological and behavioral treatment were identified by analyzing data from a multi-site, two-group, parallel-arm, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled smoking cessation trial in primary care clinics in Aleppo, Syria. Participants received 3 in-person behavioral counseling sessions plus 5 brief follow-up phone counseling sessions, and were randomized to either 6 weeks of nicotine or placebo patch. ResultsOf the 269 participants, 68% adhered to pharmacological treatment, while 70% adhered to behavioral counseling. In logistic regression modeling, lower adherence to pharmacological and behavioral treatment was associated with higher daily smoking at baseline, greater withdrawal symptoms, and perception of receiving placebo instead of active nicotine patch. Women showed lower adherence than men to behavioral treatment, while being assigned to placebo condition and baseline waterpipe use were associated with lower adherence to pharmacological treatment. ConclusionAdherence to cessation treatment for cigarette smokers in low-income countries such as Syria may benefit from integrated cessation components that provide intensive treatment for subjects with higher nicotine dependence, and address concurrent waterpipe use at all stages.

Smoking relapse and weight gain prevention program for postmenopausal weight-concerned women: A pilot study

ObjectivePostmenopausal women have substantial concerns about weight gain when quitting smoking, which may contribute smoking relapse. There is a need for smoking cessation and weight gain prevention programs effective in this population. MethodsTwo formats of a smoking cessation/weight gain prevention follow-up intervention in postmenopausal weight concerned women were compared: a minimally-tailored group format and a highly tailored, multidisciplinary individual format. Effects on sustained abstinence and postcessation weight gain were assessed. Postmenopausal smokers received 6 sessions of behavioral counseling over a 2-week period, 8weeks of the nicotine transdermal patch, and subsequent random assignment to receive follow-up relapse prevention sessions at 1, 3, 8, and 16weeks postcessation in either group or individual format. ResultsThe sample (N=98) was 67% Caucasian and 33% African-American. Age: m=52.3 (7.8) years, follicle stimulating hormone: m=42.6 (25.7), body mass index (BMI): m=27.4 (6.2), daily smoking rate: m=20.3 (11.5), for m=29.4 (10.7) years, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND): m=6.4 (2.1), and carbon monoxide: m=23.8 (13.0) ppm. Abstinence rates in the group condition were significantly higher at 8weeks posttreatment. Group format significantly predicted abstinence rates at 8 and 16weeks posttreatment, even while controlling for age, race, BMI, CPD, years smoking, FTND, and weight concern. Weight concern predicted postcessation weight gain at 8 and 16weeks posttreatment. ConclusionsResults indicate that smoking cessation programs for postmenopausal women may best be delivered in a group format and that postcessation weight concerns be dealt with prior to a quit date.