Smoking Cessation Interventions For Smokers Research Articles

Effectiveness of using risk communication to help smokers with cancer quit smoking: A randomized controlled trial.

158 Background: Despite evidence that patients living with cancer who continue to smoke after diagnosis are at a higher risk for all-cause mortality and reduced treatment efficacy, many cancer patients continue to smoke. This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of using a brief risk communication approach to help smokers with cancer quit smoking. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 528 patients who continued to smoke and were follow-up at five out-patient clinics in Hong Kong. A total of 268 subjects were randomly assigned to the intervention group that received health warnings on smoking, and 260 subjects were randomly assigned to the control group that received usual care. All subjects had follow-up telephone calls at 1week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months to assess smoking status. Results: The biochemically validated quit rate at the 6-month follow-up was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (5.2% vs 3.8%; OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.60–3.16). The rate of at least 50% self-reported reduction of smoking at 6 months, was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (16.8% vs 12.3%; OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.88–2.35).The results showed that many smokers diagnosed with cancer believed that it was too late to quit smoking. Many participants claimed that overcoming cigarette cravings was extremely difficult, and therefore felt that the barriers to quitting outweighed the perceived benefits. Conclusions: It is crucial to proactively implement novel and effective smoking cessation interventions for smokers with cancer. Importantly, it will help to improve the physical well-being and health-related quality of life of smokers with cancer and protect the public, especially vulnerable groups such as women and children, from exposure to second-hand smoke. This will ultimately save more lives, protect the environment, and boost sustainable development. Clinical trial information: NCT01685723 .

Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for smokers with Crohn's disease: a systematic review.

Smoking cessation (SC) in Crohn's disease (CD)is widely accepted to be the most important modifiable factor to improve outcomes in these patients. We aimed in this review to provide a summary of the evidence base regarding the effectiveness of SCinterventions in patients with CD. The following databases were systematically searched from inception to February 2022: PubMed, Google Scholar and Cochrane Library. Overall, five articles met the research criteria. Studies sample size ranged from 17 to 474 patients. At the outcome level, the abstinence rates ranged from 14.8to 42% and was ≤25% in four studies. The three studies with control groups did not report statistically higher SC rates in the intervention groups. No predictors of interventions success were identified in this review. Implementation and evaluation of tailored SC interventions for CD patients must be promptly addressed in further studies.

The Economic Potential of Smoking Cessation Interventions at the Point of Diagnosis of Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer

ObjectivesStopping smoking has proven benefits in nearly all illnesses but the impact and health economic benefits of stopping smoking after a diagnosis of lung cancer are less well defined. We assessed the cost-effectiveness of smoking cessation (SC) services for patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer against current usual care, where patients are unlikely to receive SC service referral. MethodsA health economic model was constructed in Excel. The modelled population comprised of patients with a new diagnosis of non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Data from the LungCast data set (Clinical Trials Identifier NCT01192256) were used to estimate model inputs. A structured search of published literature identified inputs not represented in LungCast, including healthcare resource use and costs. Costs were estimated from a 2020/2021 UK National Health Service and Personal Social Services perspective. The model estimated the incremental quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained in patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC receiving targeted SC intervention than those receiving no intervention. Extensive one-way sensitivity analyses explored input and data set uncertainty. ResultsIn the 5-year base case, the model estimated an incremental cost of £14 904 per QALY gained through SC intervention. Sensitivity analysis estimated an outcome range of between £9935 and £32 246 per QALY gained. The model was most sensitive to the estimates of relative quit rates and expected healthcare resource use. ConclusionThis exploratory analysis indicates that SC intervention for smokers with patients with newly diagnosed NSCLC should be a cost-effective use of UK National Health Service resources. Additional research with focused costing is needed to confirm this positioning.

Randomized double-blind placebo-controlled multicenter trial for the effects of a polyherbal remedy, Yokukansan (YiganSan), in smokers with depressive tendencies

BackgroundSmoking and depression are closely related and form a vicious cycle. Yokukansan (YiganSan) is a polyherbal remedy that has the effect of calming neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anger and irritation. To examine the efficacy of Yokukansan during smoking cessation (SC) therapy in smokers with depressive tendencies but without major depressive disorders requiring pharmacotherapy.MethodsA multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group comparison trial was conducted between June 2016 and May 2020 at 12 centers of the National Hospital Organization, Japan. This trial targeted smokers who first visited the SC outpatient clinics, did not receive any pharmacological treatment at the psychiatric or psychosomatic department, and scored 39 or more on the self-rating depression scale (SDS). Participants (n = 198) were randomly assigned to either the Yokukansan or placebo groups. The trial drug was initiated with the start of the SC treatment and continued for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was the high success rate of the SC treatment, and the secondary outcomes included changes in scores of the SDS and the Profile of Mood States (POMS) instrument.ResultsThe success rate of the SC treatment was similar between the placebo (63%) and Yokukansan (67%) groups (P = .649). The SDS scores (placebo: mean difference [MD] = -3.5, 95% confidence interval [CI][-5.8, -1.2], d = 0.42; Yokukansan: MD = -4.6, 95%CI[-6.8, -2.3], d = 0.55), and the “tension-anxiety” POMS-subscale scores (placebo: MD = -1.6, 95%CI[-2.5, -0.7], d = 0.52; Yokukansan: MD = -1.6, 95%CI[-2.9, -0.3], d = 0.36) showed significant improvement in both groups after the SC treatment. However, “depression-dejection” improved in the Yokukansan group (MD = -1.9, 95%CI[-3.1, -0.7], d = 0.44) but not in the placebo group (MD = -0.1, 95%CI[-1.0, 0.7], d = 0.04). Significant improvement in “fatigue” was noted in the Yokukansan group (MD = -2.1, 95%CI[-3.4, -0.9], d = 0.47) but not in the placebo group (MD = -0.5, 95%CI[-1.8, 0.8], d = 0.11). The time × group interaction on the improvement in “depression-dejection” was significant (P = .019).ConclusionsYokukansan does not increase the SC treatment’s success rate but has additional positive effects on the psychological states due to the SC treatment in smokers with depressive tendencies but without apparent mental disorders.Trial registrationID: UMIN000027036. Retrospectively registered at UMIN on April 18, 2017.

Smoking cessation interventions for smokers diagnosed with cancer: a systematic review

BackgroundSmoking continuation or uptake after a diagnosis of cancer is associated with decreased treatment efficacy, health deterioration, and worse survival outcomes; nonetheless, many patients with cancer continue smoking after their diagnosis. The extent and effectiveness of smoking cessation services in this cohort is poorly understood, but engagement with smoking cessation services is known to be scarce. The aim of this systematic review was to identify interventions for smokers diagnosed with cancer, as part of a larger study to develop a quit pathway. MethodsWe searched PubMed, Embase, PsycInfo, and the Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature database for articles published between Jan 1, 2015, and Dec 15, 2020, in English, reporting an intervention for smokers aged 18 years or older with a diagnosis of lung, breast, cervical, or head and neck cancer (smoking-related cancers), and with no restriction on study design. Outcomes included intervention descriptions and quit rates. Data were independently screened, extracted, and assessed for quality. This systematic review is registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (number CRD42020214204). Findings4293 unique records were found, of which 23 studies (nine randomised controlled trials, ten observational studies, three quality improvement studies, and one qualitative study met the inclusion criteria. Studies included between 11 and 2652 participants. 17 (74%) studies reported data from the USA, with the remainder 6 (26%) reporting data from Canada, Australia, Lebanon, and England. Ten (43%) studies reported data from head and neck cancer, three (13%) from lung cancer, one (4%) for breast cancer, and the remaining nine studies (39%) reported combined data for multiple cancers. Duration of smoking cessation interventions ranged between 1 month and 24 months. The heterogeneity of the data prompted a narrative synthesis. Key smoking cessation interventions included long-term use of pharmacotherapy, high tech e-referral systems, national quitting programmes, quitting apps, enhanced counselling, and an opt-out referral system. Four randomised controlled trials and four observational studies reported sustained quit attempts. Factors associated with quitting included timing and frequency of quitting conversations (pre-operatively), extended use of varenicline (up to 24 weeks), and counselling. Patient challenges included pain, fatigue, guilt, and lack of confidence. InterpretationA multifaceted approach including personalised treatment plans is needed to promote smoking cessation in patients with cancer. FundingIrish Cancer Society (grant SCA19FIT).

Predictors and determinants of albuminuria in people with prediabetes and diabetes based on smoking status: A cross-sectional study using the UK Biobank data.

SummaryBackgroundSmoking is attributed to both micro- and macrovascular complications at any stage of metabolic deregulation including prediabetes. Current global diabetes prevention programmes appear to be glucocentric, and do not fully acknowledge the ramifications of cardiorenal risk factors in smokers and ex-smokers. A more holistic approach is needed to prevent vascular complications in people with prediabetes and diabetes before and after quitting.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on participants who agreed to take part in the UK Biobank dataset at the time of their first attendances between March 01, 2006, and December 31, 2010. Those who had their urinary albumin concentration (UAC) data available were included, and those who did not have this data, were excluded. A logistic regression model was fitted to explore the relationship between cardiorenal risk factors and albuminuria in people with prediabetes and diabetes, based on smoking status.FindingsA total of 502,490 participants were included in the UK Biobank dataset. Of them, 30.4% (n=152,896) had their UAC level recorded. Compared with non-smokers, the odds of albuminuria in smokers with prediabetes and diabetes were 1.21 (95% CI 1.05 – 1.39, p=0.009), and 1.26 (95% CI 1.10 – 1.44, p=0.001), respectively. The odds declined after quitting in both groups, but it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Each unit increase in HbA1c was associated with equivalent increased odds of albuminuria in current and ex-smokers, OR 1.035 (95% CI 1.030 – 1.039, p<0.001), and 1.026 (95% CI 1.023 – 1.028, p <0.001), respectively. Compared to females, male ex-smokers were at 15% increased odds of albuminuria. In ex-smokers, each unit increase in waist circumference was associated with 1% increased risk of albuminuria. Compared with the least deprived quintiles, the odds of albuminuria in the most deprived quintiles, in current and ex-smokers were identical, OR 1.18 (95% CI 1.04–1.324, p=0.010), and 1.19 (95% CI 1.11 – 1.27, p<0.001), respectively.InterpretationMale smokers are at a higher risk of albuminuria after smoking cessation. Monitoring waist circumference in quitters may identify those who are at a higher risk of albuminuria. Combining smoking cessation intervention in smokers with prediabetes in the current diabetes prevention programmes may offset post-cessation weight gain and reduce the risk of albuminuria.FundingUniversity of Sheffield.

Effects of episodic future thinking on reinforcement pathology during smoking cessation treatment among individuals with substance use disorders

RationaleReinforcer pathology (RP) is a theoretical model based on two processes: delay discounting (DD) and drug demand. Given that RP has been shown to have a predictive value on smoking behaviors, several studies have explored which interventions can reduce RP. Consistent with the RP framework, episodic future thinking (EFT) has shown effects on treatment outcomes and RP processes. The vast majority of studies that assess the effects of EFT on RP consist of experimental studies, and no previous research has tested these effects in a clinical sample of smokers.ObjectivesThe primary aim of this study was to assess the effects of EFT on RP throughout the course of a smoking cessation intervention in smokers with substance use disorders (SUDs).MethodsParticipants were randomized to cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) + EFT (n = 39) or CBT + EFT + contingency management (n = 33). Cotinine, frequency of EFT practices, cigarette purchase task (CPT), and DD were evaluated in treatment sessions. Mixed-effects model repeated measures analysis was used to explore DD and CPT in-treatment changes as a function of EFT practices and cotinine levels.ResultsGreater practice of the EFT component significantly reduced cigarette demand (p < .020) as well as DD (p = .003). Additionally, a greater reduction in cotinine levels coupled with greater EFT practice led to a greater decrease in cigarette demand (p < .014).ConclusionsEFT reduced the two facets of RP in treatment-seeking smokers with SUDs.

Efficacy of smoking cessation intervention delivered through mobile tele-counseling among smokers with tuberculosis in a Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program

BackgroundIndia has high burden of tuberculosis and smokers. Prevalence of tuberculosis is three times higher in smokers than non-smokers. Active smoking causes severe disease, delay in seeking treatment, lost to treatment follow up, delayed sputum conversion and drug resistance. WHO advocates mobile phone technology to improve health outcomes (mHealth). We used mobile tele-counseling as a smoking cessation intervention in smokers with tuberculosis (TB) receiving treatment under tuberculosis control program. AimTo determine smoking quit rate at six months of TB treatment among smokers receiving mobile tele-counseling versus brief advice and to estimate smoking quit rates and relapse rates during the tele-counseling period. MethodsOpen label randomized controlled trial. Newly detected pulmonary tuberculosis or pleural effusion patients received brief advice on smoking cessation as per The UNION's guiding framework. Subjects were then randomly allocated to intervention or control group. Intervention group was contacted telephonically at 2,3,4,5 and 6 months to assess smoking quit rates and provide continued smoking cessation advice. ResultsIntervention group had 80 and 82 in the control group, mean (SD) age was 40.6(12.6), 43.5(12.7) p = 0.53. Quit rate at six months was 54 (67.5%) in intervention group versus 34 (42%) in control group; RR 1.60 (95% CI 1.19, 2.16) p = 0.001. Trend in smoking quit rates in intervention group was 81.3%, 61.3%, 55%, 73.8% at 2,3,4 and 5 months respectively. Smoking relapse rate was 43.1%, 53.1%, 20.5%,15.3% at 3,4,5 and 6 months respectively. 27.5%, 43.8% were abstinent for last three, two months. ConclusionsMobile tele-counseling is an effective strategy for smoking cessation among TB patients.

Smoking cessation using preference-based tools among socially disadvantaged smokers: study protocol for a pragmatic, multicentre randomised controlled trial

IntroductionMany smoking cessation aids such as nicotine replacement treatments and e-cigarettes have been proven effective in aiding smoking cessation attempts. Encouraging smokers with low socioeconomic position (SEP) to choose their...

Effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for smokers with chronic diseases: A systematic review

To systematically summarize seminal studies on the design and effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions targeted at patients with chronic diseases through a critical appraisal of the literature. A systematic review. This review included literature identified through a search of six databases up to June 2020. This review was conducted according to the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. The literature search was limited to English-language articles on the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for smokers who were aged ≥18years and diagnosed with chronic diseases. Data were extracted using the Cochrane Data collection form for intervention reviews of randomized controlled trials and non-randomized controlled trials. The articles were subjected to a quality assessment. Ten relevant articles were identified. The designs of the interventions were highly heterogeneous, and only six articles reported a significant increase in smoking abstinence among patients with chronic diseases. In the target population, an intervention delivered by healthcare professionals on an intensive schedule was shown to more effectively induce smoking cessation, compared with minimal counselling. However, methodological flaws were identified in most of the included studies. The findings of this review suggest that additional efforts are needed to design smoking cessation interventions for patients with chronic diseases and that further examination of the effectiveness and feasibility of these interventions is warranted. What problem did the study address? This review evaluated the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions targeted at patients with chronic diseases. What were the main findings? An intervention with an intensive schedule that was delivered by healthcare professionals was shown to more effectively induce smoking cessation in patients with chronic diseases, compared with minimal counselling. More attention and resources should be directed towards smokers with no intention to quit, especially those with chronic diseases. There is an urgent need for generic smoking cessation interventions that use novel approaches to address the unique needs of this population and to integrate such evidence-based interventions into routine care. Where and on whom will the research have impact? The findings of this review may guide nurses, who play a prominent role in raising the issue of smoking cessation with patients, to design appropriate smoking cessation interventions for patients with chronic diseases. The resulting improvements in patients' health would not only benefit patients themselves but also reduce the burden of chronic diseases on healthcare systems.

Testing the Feasibility and Acceptability of a Religiously-Tailored Text Messaging Intervention to Reduce Smoking Among Somali Muslim Men During Ramadan.

The prevalence of smoking among Somali Muslim male immigrants residing in Minnesota is estimated at 44%, however smoking reduction is common during the month of Ramadan. This study evaluated the feasibility and impact of a religiously tailored text message intervention delivered during Ramadan to encourage smoking reduction among Somali Muslim men who smoke. Fifty Somali men were recruited. Participants received two text messages per day starting 1 week prior to and throughout the month of Ramadan. Approximately half were religiously tailored and half were about the risks of smoking and benefits of quitting. Smoking behavior was assessed at baseline, and at weeks 4 (end of Ramadan), 8, and 16. Outcomes included feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary impact of the text message intervention on smoking reduction and bioverified abstinence. The average age was 41 years. Average time to first cigarette was 1.8 hours at baseline, and 46% of participants smoked menthol cigarettes. Eighteen of 50 participants selected English and 32 selected Somali text messages. Subjects significantly reduced self-reported cigarettes per day (CPD) from 12.4 CPD at baseline to 5.8 CPD at week 16 (p < 0.001). Seven subjects reported quitting at week 16, five completed CO testing, confirming self-reported abstinence. The majority of participants found the cultural and religious references encouraging at the end of the week 16 survey. Religiously tailored text messages to decrease smoking are feasible and acceptable to Somali Muslim men who smoke during Ramadan. This intervention for addressing smoking disparities is worthy of further study. Recruitment of Somali Muslim men who smoke is feasible and supports the idea that further studies targeting smoking during Ramadan are practical. Ramadan presents a window of opportunity upon which to build smoking cessation interventions for smokers who identify as Muslim. These preliminary findings suggest that text messaging is a feasible and acceptable intervention strategy, and that religious tailoring was well received. Such an approach may offer potential for addressing smoking disparities among Somali Muslim male smokers. ClinicalTrial.gov: NCT03379142.

Tailored Web-Based Smoking Interventions and Reduced Attrition: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BackgroundThe increasing number of internet users presents an opportunity to deliver health interventions to large populations. Despite their potential, many web-based interventions, including those for smoking cessation, face high rates of attrition. Further consideration of how intervention features impact attrition is needed.ObjectiveThe aim of this systematic review is to investigate whether tailored web-based smoking cessation interventions for smokers are associated with reduced rates of attrition compared with active or passive untailored web-based interventions. The outcomes of interest were dropout attrition at 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups.MethodsLiterature searches were conducted in May 2018 and updated in May 2020 on MEDLINE (Medical Literature Analysis and Retrieval System Online), PsycINFO (Psychological Information), EMBASE (Excerpta Medica dataBASE), CINAHL (Cumulated Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature), Scopus, and the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Group Specialized Register with the following search terms: smoking cessation, tailored, or web- or internet-based. Included studies were published in English before or in May 2020 using a randomized controlled trial design. Studies were restricted to those with web-based delivery, a tailored intervention group, an untailored control group, and a reported outcome of smoking cessation. Studies were assessed for methodological quality using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Two reviewers independently extracted the study characteristics and the number of participants lost to follow-up for each treatment group.ResultsA total of 13 studies were included in the systematic review, of which 11 (85%) were included in the meta-analysis. Tailoring had no statistically significant effect on dropout attrition at 1-month (risk ratio [RR]=1.02, 95% CI 0.95-1.09; P=.58; I2=78%), 3-month (RR=0.99, 95% CI 0.95-1.04; P=.80; I2=73%), 6-month (RR=1.00, 95% CI 0.95-1.05; P=.90; I2=43%), or 12-month (RR=0.97, 95% CI 0.92-1.02; P=.26; I2=28%) follow-ups. Subgroup analyses suggested that there was a statistically significant effect of tailoring between the active and passive subgroups at 1-month (P=.03), 3-month (P<.001), and 6-month (P=.02) follow-ups but not at 12-month follow-up (P=.25).ConclusionsThe results suggest that tailoring of web-based smoking cessation interventions may not be associated with reduced rates of dropout attrition at 1-, 3-, 6-, or 12-month follow-ups. Significant differences between studies that include untailored active and passive control groups suggest that the role of tailoring may be more prominent when studies include a passive control group. These findings may be because of variability in the presence of additional features, the definition of smokers used, and the duration of smoking abstinence measured. Future studies should incorporate active web-based controls, compare the impact of different tailoring strategies, and include populations outside of the Western countries.

Effectiveness of a Brief Self-determination Theory–Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Smokers at Emergency Departments in Hong Kong

Clinicians have an opportunity to provide smoking cessation interventions to smokers who present to emergency departments (EDs). The effectiveness of a brief intervention based on self-determination theory for smoking cessation is uncertain. To examine the effectiveness of a brief intervention based on self-determination theory for smoking cessation (immediate or progressive) among Chinese smokers presenting at EDs in Hong Kong. This single-blind, multicenter intent-to-treat randomized clinical trial was conducted at the EDs of 4 major acute care hospitals in different districts of Hong Kong. In total, 1571 smokers 18 years or older who presented at 4 major EDs between July 4, 2015, and March 17, 2017, were randomized into an intervention group (n = 787) and a control group (n = 784). The intervention group received brief advice (about 1 minute) and could choose their own quit schedules (immediate or progressive). The control group received a smoking cessation leaflet. Follow-up visits were conducted at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The primary outcome measure, by intent to treat, was biochemically validated abstinence at 6 months. Participants (N = 1571) included 1381 men (87.9%); the mean (SD) age at baseline was 47.4 (16.4) years. Among participants who self-reported abstinence at 6 months, 50.3% (85 of 169) had biochemical validation by both an exhaled carbon monoxide test and a saliva cotinine test. Compared with the control group, the intervention group had statistically higher biochemically validated abstinence at 6 months: 6.7% (53 of 787) vs 2.8% (22 of 784) (P < .001), with an adjusted relative risk of 3.21 (95% CI, 1.74-5.93; P < .001). The intervention group also had higher self-reported quit rates at 6 months (12.2% [96 of 787] vs 9.3% [73 of 784], P = .04) and 12 months (13.0% [102 of 787] vs 8.5% [67 of 784], P < .01), as well as higher biochemically validated abstinence at 12 months (7.0% [55 of 787] vs 3.7% [29 of 784], P < .001). The additional cost for each intervention group participant was US $0.47, with an estimated gain of 0.0238 quality-adjusted life-year. The incremental cost per quality-adjusted life-year (US $19.53) fell within acceptable thresholds. This brief, low-cost self-determination theory-based intervention for smokers presenting at EDs effectively increased the biochemically validated quit rate at 6 months. If delivered routinely, such a simple intervention may offer a cost-effective and sustainable approach to help many smokers quit smoking. ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT02660957.

Retraining automatic action tendencies for smoking using mobile phone-based approach-avoidance bias training: A study protocol for a randomized controlled study

BackgroundAutomatic tendencies to approach drug-related cues have been linked to the development and maintainance of harmful drug-taking behavior. Recent studies have demonstrated that these automatic approach tendencies can be targeted directly by means of cognitive bias modification (CBM). Moreover, changing those approach tendencies may enhance treatment outcomes. However, training and therapy effects tend to be rather small and adherence to the training might be impaired by time-consuming multiple laboratory training sessions. Here, we present a protocol for a randomized controlled design to improve CBM training efficiency and facilitate access to the training by providing mobile-phone-based training sessions at home to current smokers motivated to quit smoking.MethodsParticipants (n = 100) are current smokers who smoke at least six cigarettes per day for at least 6 months and are willing to quit smoking. All participants attend a brief behavioral smoking cessation intervention (TAU) and are randomly assigned either to an experimental (TAU + training) or a control group. Participants in the experimental condition are given access to a training application (app) aimed at retraining automatic approach biases for smoking cues. Participants are instructed to perform the app training outside the laboratory context on a daily basis for 14 consecutive days. Participants in the control group do not receive the training. Primary outcome measures are changes in smoking-related approach biases and reductions in daily nicotine consumption as assessed at baseline, post-training and at 6-week follow up. Secondary outcome measures include approach biases for alternative stimuli or smoking stimuli to which participants were not exposed during training, attentional and association biases, biochemical outcomes, and self-reported smoking behavior, also measured at three different time points (baseline, post-training, and follow up). After completion of the study, smokers in the control condition will receive access to the training app.DiscussionThis randomized controlled trial is the first to test the effectiveness of an app-based CBM intervention as an adjunct to a brief smoking cessation intervention in smokers motivated to quit smoking. The results of this study can inform future research in the optimization and advancement of CBM treatment for addiction.Trial registrationCurrent Controlled Trials, ISRCTN15690771. Registered on 20 November 2018.

A study protocol for a randomised controlled trial evaluating the use of information communication technology (WhatsApp/WeChat) to deliver brief motivational interviewing (i-BMI) in promoting smoking cessation among smokers with chronic diseases

BackgroundThe recent development of smoking cessation interventions for smokers with chronic diseases has focused heavily on brief interventions. However, these interventions are too brief to make an impact on these smokers, especially when most of them are without any intention to quit. Previous studies showed that smokers who did not want to quit might be interested in changing other health behaviours. Also, once people engage in a health behaviour, they are found more likely to change other unhealthy habits. Hence, a general health promotion approach could be a feasible approach to motivate smokers who do not want to quit to first engage in any desirable health behaviour, and later quit smoking when they intend to do so. This study aims to determine the potential efficacy and effect size of such intervention approach in promoting smoking cessation for smokers with chronic diseases.MethodsThis is a randomized controlled trial. A convenience sample of 60 smokers with chronic diseases will be randomly assigned into either experimental (n = 30) or control group (n = 30). Smokers in the experimental group will receive an individual face-to-face brief motivational interviewing (MI) with generic advice on selected health behaviour. More brief MI messages will be delivered to them via WhatsApp/WeChat for 6 months. For subject in the control group, they will be asked to indicate their desirable health-related practice. However, no MI and booster interventions will be given. All subjects will complete a questionnaire at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months. Subjects abstinent from cigarettes at 12 months will perform a biochemical validation. The primary outcome is biochemically validated smoking abstinence at 12 months. Effect size of the intervention will be estimated by the odd ratios using intention-to-treat.DiscussionThis is the first study to determine the potential efficacy for the use of a personalized general health promotion approach in promoting smoking cessation for smokers with chronic diseases. If our proposed intervention is effective, we will able to assist smokers with chronic disease to quit smoking and change their health behaviour simultaneously.Trial registrationCinicalTrials.gov NCT03983330 (Prospectively registered), registered on June 12, 2019.

Psychological, pharmacological, and combined smoking cessation interventions for smokers with current depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

We conducted a systematic literature review and meta-analysis (ID: CRD42016051017) of smoking cessation interventions for patients with current depression. We examined the effectiveness of smoking cessation treatments in improving abstinence rates and depressive symptoms. The following electronic databases were used for potentially eligible studies: PUBMED, PSYCINFO, DIALNET and WEB OF KNOWLEDGE. The search terms used were: smoking cessation, depressive disorder, depression, mood, depressive, depressed, smoking, smokers, nicotine, nicotine dependence, and tobacco cigarette smoking. The methodological quality of included studies was assessed using the Effective Public Health Practice Project Quality assessment tool (EPHPP). Of the 6,584 studies identified, 20 were eligible and included in the review. Trial designs of studies were 16 randomized controlled trials and 4 secondary studies. Studies included three types of intervention: psychological (6/30%), pharmacological (6/30%) or combined (8/40%). Four trials comprised special populations of smokers. Four studies received a strong methodological quality, 7 were scored as moderate and 9 studies received a weak methodological rating. Analyses of effectiveness showed that smoking cessation interventions appear to increase short-term and long-term smoking abstinence in individuals with current depression. Subgroup analyses revealed stronger effects among studies that provided pharmacological treatments than in studies using psychological treatments. However, the evidence is weak due to the small number of studies. Smoking abstinence appears to be associated with an improvement in depressive symptoms. Heterogeneity in protocols in similar types of treatment also prevent firm conclusions being drawn on the effectiveness of any particular treatment model to optimally manage abstinence among depressed smokers. Further research is required to strengthen the evidence base.

Impact of variation in functions and delivery on the effectiveness of behavioural and mood management interventions for smoking cessation in people with depression: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis

IntroductionTobacco is the world’s leading preventable cause of disease and death. People with depression are twice as likely to smoke and are less responsive to standard tobacco treatments as compared...

Cessation-related information, motivation, and behavioral skills in smokers living with HIV

ABSTRACTThere is a need for new, targeted smoking cessation interventions for smokers living with HIV. The Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills (IMB) model has been applied effectively to HIV-related health behaviors and was used in this qualitative study to elicit factors that could lead to the development of innovative and successful cessation interventions for this population. Twenty individuals who smoked from two clinics providing care to people living with HIV participated in open-ended interviews, responding to questions covering the domains of the IMB model, as applied to smokers living with HIV. Participants were enrolled from a larger survey cohort to recruit into groups based on the impact of HIV diagnosis on smoking as well as attempting to enroll a mix of demographics characteristics. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, coded and thematically analyzed using a grounded theory qualitative approach. Interviews continued until thematic saturation was reached. Major themes included: Presence of knowledge deficits regarding HIV-specific health risks of smoking; use of smoking for emotional regulation, where many reported close contacts who smoke and concern with the effect of cessation on their social networks; Use of smoking cessation aids or a telephone-based wellness intervention were acceptable to most. Providing HIV-specific information in cessation advice is of the utmost importance for clinicians caring for smokers living with HIV, as this theme was noted consistently as a potential motivator to quit. Innovative and effective interventions must account for the social aspect of smoking and address other methods of emotional regulation in this population.

Program for lung cancer screening and tobacco cessation: Study protocol of a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial

PLUTO will conduct a sequential, multiple assignment, randomized trial to inform the choice and delivery of smoking cessation treatments for smokers in the setting of lung cancer screening, including for smokers who respond both incompletely (any smoking after quit date) and completely to first-line treatment (4 or 8 weeks of counseling with nicotine replacement therapy). Currently, there is little evidence to guide the development of adaptive interventions in tobacco cessation. SMART designs, such as the one we propose, are an ideal experimental design to assess different adaptive intervention strategies. Adaptive interventions for smoking cessation in the context of lung cancer screening have high potential for dissemination and impact. The USPSTF recommends annual low-dose CT screening for patients at high risk Recommendation (Grade B)4; private insurance coverage is mandated for USPSTF Grade A or B recommendations. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) mandates coverage of preventative services including smoking cessation treatment. The ACA requires coverage of at least 2 quit attempts/year, 4 counseling sessions of at least 10 minutes, and all Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tobacco cessation meds for a 90 day treatment regimen when prescribed by a health care provider (7 medications: 5 forms of NRT, bupropion, and varenicline).74 Effective smoking cessation treatment, delivered in the context of lung cancer screening programs, may augment the mortality benefit of imaging studies. The novel tobacco treatment system we plan – identification of smokers by using the EMR and proactive invitation to treatment coupled with lung cancer screening – is an opportunity to engage a new cohort of smokers with mechanisms in place to implement delivery of care. Thus, the PLUTO trial takes advantage of a new clinical practice development: recommendation for annual lung cancer screening based on age and smoking history. Strengths are an innovative study design and sequential random assignment of treatment conditions in addition to the main comparative effectiveness outcome that allows more rigorous measurement of effects than a standard randomized controlled trial would afford. The information about timing of assessment, optimal intervention components, and intensity of treatment are ripe for dissemination.

Proactive and Brief Smoking Cessation Intervention for Smokers at Outdoor Smoking "Hotspots" in Hong Kong.

Increased outdoor smoking is a common phenomenon after indoor smoking bans were in place. A series of observational studies were conducted to evaluate a novel, proactive, and brief smoking cessation intervention at outdoor smoking "hotspots," i.e., outdoor public areas where ashtrays were available and smokers clustered to smoke. The number of smokers at 26 selected hotspots were observed and counted for two consecutive days. Further observations of the smokers' characteristics and brief smoking cessation intervention were conducted at ten of the hotspots with the greatest number of smokers. Responses of the smokers to the brief intervention, including a leaflet and brief smoking cessation advice using AWAR protocol delivered by trained smoking cessation ambassadors, were assessed. A total of 24,034 smokers were observed within 464h, which equals 51.8 smokers per hour. Of the 5070 pedestrians observed at the ten hotspots during the intervention sessions, 1228 (24.2%) were smokers. In the 1228 smokers who were approached during our intervention sessions, about two thirds were willing to receive the self-help leaflet on smoking cessation whereas about half received the brief smoking cessation advice. Recruiting smokers and delivering brief smoking cessation interventions at smoking hotspots are feasible and likely effective to reach large numbers of smokers. Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of using this approach for smoking cessation are warranted.