Smoking Cessation Programs Research Articles

Lifestyle factors before and after colorectal cancer treatment and their association with fatigue

Abstract Background As colorectal cancer (CRC) survivorship increases, so does the challenge of managing cancer-related fatigue, a prevalent condition that severely impacts survivors’ ability to work and overall quality of life. This study delves into the relationship between lifestyle behaviors, assessed using the HEALTHY lifestyle score, and its influence on fatigue among CRC patients. Methods Data was derived from MIRANDA, a multicenter cohort study that enrolls adult CRC patients during a 3-week in-patient rehab within a year after primary CRC treatment. Up to date, n = 438 participants provided information on lifestyle factors at the rehabilitation start (baseline) and then every three months for the first year. The predictors were the HEALTHY lifestyle score and its components (diet, alcohol consumption, physical activity, BMI, and smoking status) calculated at three time points: before surgery, after surgery, and 12 months following rehabilitation. The outcome was fatigue, assessed using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy - Fatigue (FACIT-F-FS) scale. Results Participants with a higher HEALTHY lifestyle score after CRC surgery had statistically significantly lower fatigue levels. The components that contributed most to this finding were smoking and physical activity. Participants who engaged in exercise post-surgery or did not smoke before their cancer diagnosis experienced lower fatigue levels during rehabilitation. Conclusions Lifestyle modifications, such as increasing physical activity and smoking cessation, are crucial in preventing or reducing fatigue among CRC patients. Tailored public health initiatives that advocate for these lifestyle adjustments and their incorporation into CRC rehabilitation protocols could significantly advance survivor care, ultimately leading to better health outcomes. Key messages • The HEALTHY score is associated with fatigue of CRC patients during rehabilitation, highlighting the crucial role of lifestyle changes after CRC treatment. • Smoking cessation and physical activity programs may be the most effective measures for decreasing the fatigue burden of these patients.

A Case for a Maternal Culturally Tailored Smoking Cessation Research Agenda

Background/Objectives: Despite national efforts, smoking rates during pregnancy remain high among certain demographics, particularly American Indian/Alaska Native and younger women. This study examines the causal link between maternal smoking, maternal and fetal mortality, and social determinants of health, highlighting disparities faced by Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) and American Indian/Alaskan Native (AIAN) pregnant persons. Methods: Data from various sources, including national reports and committee findings, were analyzed to assess trends in maternal smoking, mortality rates, and associated factors. While smoking rates among all groups have declined, disparities persist. Young women, BIPOC, and American Indian/Alaska Native women, and those with lower educational attainment, have higher smoking rates. Black women exhibit significantly higher maternal mortality rates, often linked to cardiac/coronary conditions. Stress, exacerbated by social determinants of health like poverty and housing insecurity, emerges as a key factor driving smoking behavior, particularly among African Americans. The leading causes of pregnancy-related deaths vary by race and ethnicity, with preventability noted in 80% of cases. Perinatal exposure to cigarette smoking is also identified as a leading cause of poor infant health outcomes, emphasizing the importance of addressing smoking behavior during and after pregnancy. Results: This report advocates for a comprehensive approach to reducing maternal and fetal mortality rates, with a focus on adapting existing smoking cessation programs to adopt culturally tailored agendas in order to address social and political determinants of health as well as behavioral drivers of tobacco use among pregnant persons.

Factors associated with low birth at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation in Guyana: an institution-based cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Low birth weight (LBW) is a global health issue. We conducted a cross-sectional study to assess factors associated with LBW at Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC). We used data from all women who delivered a single live baby as of 28 weeks of gestational age from July to September 2022. 1,304 mothers and their respective live-born babies were included. Logistic regression was used to identify LBW-associated factors at p < .05. The prevalence of LBW was 13.3 percent (95 percent IC: [11.6–15.3]). Women who were primigravida (AOR: 2.18, 95 percent CI = [1.40–3.38]), smoked during pregnancy (AOR: 3.41, 95 percent CI: [1.05–11.03]), had fewer than eight antenatal care visits (AOR: 2.43, 95 percent CI = [1.54–3.83]) were significantly associated with LBW. Similarly, those who had gestational hypertension (AOR: 2.30, 95 percent CI = [1.36–3.80]), urinary tract infections during pregnancy (AOR: 2.91, 95 percent CI = [1.22–2.97]), and gave birth before 37 weeks of gestational age (AOR: 22.65, 95 percent CI = [14.32–35.83]) were more likely to have their babies born with LBW. These findings are crucial for guiding health policies to improve prenatal care access, provide smoking cessation programs, control gestational hypertension, and prioritize early detection and treatment of urinary tract infections, ultimately aiming to reduce preterm births and LBW at GPHC.

Implementation of a Telehealth Smoking Cessation Program in Primarily Socioeconomically Disadvantaged Black Patients: Courage to Quit Rolling-Virtual (CTQ-RV).

Preliminary data indicate that smoking cessation offered in a rolling group format is feasible and effective. The current study evaluated theimplementation and outcomes of the remote Courage to Quit-Rolling Virtual (CTQ-RV) smoking group treatment compared to its precursor in-person format (Courage to Quit-Rolling, CTQ-R). Virtual materials for CTQ-RV were adapted from in-person evidence-based programming, thus content in both groups was similar but delivered via videoconference or in-person. We used an interrupted time series design to examine feasibility by comparing attendance, monthly enrollment, and program completion between those who attended CTQ-R (July 2018-March 2020) versus CTQ-RV (April 2020-December 2022). There were 611 patients enrolled in tobacco cessation (N = 221 CTQ-R, N = 390 CTQ-RV). The average age was 59.4 years and most patients reported Black/African American race (81%) and female sex (69.5%). CTQ-RV proved feasible relative to CTQ-R, with higher rates of attendance (5.5 vs. 2.7 sessions, respectively), program completion (39.4% vs. 19%) and increased enrollment across each year (from 44.6 sessions per month in CTQ-R vs. 72.3 in CTQ-RV). CTQ-RV patients requested nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) at substantially higher rates (81.4%) than CTQ-R members (42.1%). Self-reported smoking abstinence at final session was higher in CTQ-RV compared with CTQ-R (33.3% vs. 15.7%). Within CTQ-RV, more than half (57%) of patients attended by video format, with outreach improving rates of video attendance each year. Results show that a transition to virtual rolling enrollment smoking group treatment is feasible and can augment treatment outcomes, such as engagement, NRT use, and self-reported cessation.

Exploring the Interactions Between Psychotic Symptoms, Cognition, and Environmental Risk Factors: A Bayesian Analysis of Networks.

Psychotic disorders (PDs) have huge personal and societal impact, and efforts to improve outcomes in patients are continuously needed. Environmental risk factors (ERFs), especially modifiable risk factors, are important to study because they pose a target for intervention and prevention. No studies have investigated ERFs, cognition, and psychotic symptoms together in a network approach. We explored interactions between 3 important ERFs (tobacco smoking, cannabis use, and childhood trauma), 6 cognitive domains, and 3 dimensions of symptoms in psychosis. From the Genetic Risk and Outcome of Psychosis (GROUP) cohort, we used data from patients, siblings, and healthy controls to construct networks using Bayesian analyses of all 12 variables. We constructed networks of the combined sample and of patients and siblings separately. We found that tobacco smoking was directly associated with cognition and psychotic symptoms. The cognitive variable processing speed was the most central node, connecting clusters of psychotic symptoms and substance use through the variables of positive symptoms and tobacco smoking. Comparing the networks of patients and siblings, we found that networks were relatively similar between patients and siblings. Our results support a potential central role of processing speed deficits in PDs. Findings highlight the importance of integrating tobacco smoking as potential ERFs in the context of PDs and to broaden the perspective from cannabis discontinuation to smoking cessation programs in patients or people at risk of PDs.

The association between smoking, chronic pain, and prescription opioid use: 2013-2021

It is known that smoking is associated with greater chronic pain. However, little is known about the magnitude of this relationship and its association with prescription opioid use. We examine the association between smoking status and three sets of outcomes: (1) starting and discontinuing opioids, (2) intensity of opioid use, and (3) opioid use and pain outcomes after quitting smoking. We use multinomial logit on adults in the nationally representative 2013–2021 Medical Expenditure Panel Survey linked to the National Health Interview Survey (N = 36,796). Smoking adults made up 16% of the population but used 30% of all opioid prescriptions and 40% of all annual Morphine Milligram Equivalents (MMEs). The 1% of the population that smoked and had severe work limitations due to pain used 20% of all MMEs. Smoking adults were 24% more likely than never-smoking adults to have chronic pain. Among those with pain, smoking adults had 46% higher relative risk of starting opioids compared to never-smoking adults (p < .01), and smoking adults had 6.6 times higher relative risk of continuing opioids the next year compared to never-smoking adults (p < .01). Those smoking and using opioids had 95% higher odds of using a prescribed dosage of 50 MME or more than never-smoking adults. A year after quitting smoking, opioid use declined by 20% and pain declined by 7% compared to those continuing to smoke, with no difference from never-smoking adults after 12 years. Integrating smoking cessation into pain management programs could be highly beneficial to adults with chronic pain. PerspectiveRarely are smoking cessation and pain management programs integrated together. We show that such integration would be highly beneficial by estimating a strong association between smoking cessation and reduced chronic pain, work limitations, and prescription opioid use.

Increasing digital equity to promote online smoking cessation program engagement among rural adults: a randomized controlled pilot trial

BackgroundCigarette smoking prevalence is higher for rural than urban adults, yet digital access to cessation programming is reduced. We aim to investigate digital access interventions to promote engagement with an online evidence-based cessation treatment (EBCT) program among rural adults.MethodsThis pilot trial used a pragmatic, three-arm, randomized, parallel-group design (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT05209451). Inclusion criteria included being aged ≥18, Mayo Clinic Midwest patient, rural residency, and currently smokes cigarettes. All participants received an online, 12-week EBCT program and were randomized to receive one of three digital access interventions: print materials (control, n = 30); print materials + loaner iPad device with data plan coverage (n = 30); or print materials + loaner device + up to six, 15–20-minute motivational interviewing-based coaching calls to support technology needs (n = 30). A composite score of trial engagement (primary outcome) and self-reported smoking abstinence and use of EBCT resources (secondary outcomes) were assessed online at 4 and 12 weeks. Qualitative interviews were used to assess patient experience. Neither participants nor outcome assessors were blinded to group assignment.ResultsResults are reported for all 30 participants in each group. The average age of participants is 51.0 years and 61% are women. We show no significant arm differences for the trial engagement composite score (p = 0.30). We also find coaching support is significantly (p < 0.05) associated with enhanced smoking-related treatment response, including cigarette abstinence and use of EBCT resources, and participants reported positive experiences with the intervention.ConclusionsThe coaching intervention to support technology needs is acceptable and shows preliminary evidence of its efficacy in smoking-related treatment response. Further studies could refine and implement the coaching intervention for trial engagement and long-term cessation.

Feasibility and Engagement of a Mobile App Preparation Program (Kwit) for Smoking Cessation in an Ecological Context: Quantitative Study.

Mobile health apps can facilitate access to effective treatment and therapeutic information services. However, the real-world effectiveness of mobile apps for smoking cessation and their potential impact in everyday settings remain unclear. In an ecological context, this study aimed to estimate the engagement rate of a mobile app-based smoking cessation preparation program and its potential impact on users' willingness, ability, and readiness to quit smoking. A total of 2331 "organic users" (ie, users who discover and install a mobile app on their own, without any prompts) chose 1 of 2 program versions of the mobile app (Kwit): the basic version or the premium version. Both versions were identical in design, with 4 more evidence-based content items and strategies in the premium version. Outcomes were analyzed based on automated data registered in the app (engagement rate, motivation to quit, motivation type, motivation levels, and satisfaction level). Mann-Whitney and χ2 tests were used to compare the results of both groups. As expected, in the ecological context, a high dropout rate was observed at different moments. A significant difference was observed between the 2 versions (n=2331; χ21=5.4; P=.02), with a proportionally higher engagement rate in the premium version (premium=4.7% vs basic=2%). Likewise, differences were also observed between the 2 groups in terms of reasons to quit (n=2331; χ24=19; P≤.001; V=0.08), motivation type (n=2331; χ27=14.7; P=.04), and motivation level. Users of the app's premium version more frequently reported "well-being" (23.3% vs 17.9%) and "planning a pregnancy" (7.4% vs 4.4%) as their primary reasons for quitting smoking compared to those with the basic version. Moreover, they reported being more likely to be driven in the smoking cessation process by intrinsic motivation (premium=28% vs basic=20.4%), as well as feeling significantly more willing (z score=156,055; P≤.001; Cohen d=0.15), able (z score=172,905; P=.04; Cohen d=0.09), and ready (z score=166,390; P=.005; Cohen d=0.12) to stop smoking than users who had the basic version before completion of the preparation program. Among participants who finished each version of the program (premium: 9/189, 4.8%; basic: 47/2142, 2.19%), significant improvements in motivation levels were observed in both groups, although in different areas for each group (willingness levels for the premium group and ability for the basic group). These results suggest that even in ecological contexts where engagement rates are meager, the Kwit preparation program can address ambivalence by increasing willingness to change, self-confidence, and readiness to quit among its users, especially those who feel less able to do so. Further development and evaluations are needed to better understand determinants for regular mobile health apps.

Aachen smoking cessation and harm reduction (ASCHR) trial study protocol – scientific evaluation of a psychological-telemedical counseling concept for smoking cessation in patients with vascular diseases

BackgroundSmoking is a major risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, notably peripheral arterial disease (PAD). Despite this link, research on smoking cessation interventions in PAD patients remains scarce and inconclusive regarding the efficacy of such interventions.Therefore, elucidating it is crucial and should address both individuals who smoke that are motivated to quit and individuals who smoke heavily lacking the motivation to quit.Methods/DesignThe Aachen Smoking Cessation and Harm Reduction (ASCHR) trial is a prospective randomized controlled study (RCT) on the benefits of telemedical-psychological support for smoking cessation in patients with PAD, funded by the “Innovation Fund” of the Joint Federal Committee in Germany. This trial aims to scientifically assess the efficacy, feasibility, acceptance, and efficiency of a multi-stage smoking cessation program based on the recommendations of the German guideline for smoking cessation tailored to patients with PAD, compared to a control group receiving no intervention. Central to the program is psychological counseling utilizing motivational interviewing techniques, delivered through telemedicine via video consultations. The primary endpoint of the ASCHR trial is the smoking cessation rate after 8 months of intervention, with a secondary endpoint evaluating sustained abstinence at a further 6 months follow-up. Smoking cessation is defined as a carbon monoxide level in exhaled air of less than 6 ppm. We hypothesize that the group receiving the multi-stage cessation program will yield a cessation rate at least 10 percentage points higher than that of usual care. Anticipating a dropout rate of around 35%, the planned sample size is at least N = 1032 study participants.DiscussionShould the trial demonstrate significant positive outcomes, efforts should be made to integrate the program into routine care in Germany, potentially offering a promising base for future smoking cessation support among PAD patients.

Efficacy of a smoking cessation program for patients with lung cancer.

357 Background: Smoking cessation improves overall mortality and cancer-specific mortality in patients with lung cancer. However, cessation is rarely successful without medical assistance, indicating a need for focused intervention in patients with lung cancer. Referrals for formal counseling can facilitate access to smoking cessation resources and serve as an impetus for cessation. In this study, we analyzed the efficacy of the smoking cessation program at our institution’s cancer center and identified opportunities for improvement in patient outreach, education, recruitment, and retention. Methods: A retrospective chart review of patients at our institution's cancer-dedicated smoking cessation center was conducted between January 1, 2022, to August 31, 2023. All referred patients with primary lung cancer or documented lung metastasis were included. Patient demographic and medical information were collected from the electronic medical record. Data was analyzed with descriptive (frequency, mean, median, interquartile ranges (IQR), 95% confidence interval) and inferential (t-test, Chi-Squared/Fisher’s Exact) statistics. P-value &lt;0.05 was deemed significant. Results: 138 patients were referred for smoking cessation counseling, 24 (17.4%) attended counseling, and 14 (58.3%) attended ≥2 visits. Patients had a median time from referral to first session of 14 days (IQR=8.5). All counseled patients were prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) with 19 receiving multiple modalities. Of the 23 patients actively smoking at first meeting, 19 (82.6%) saw some reduction in packs/day (PPD) compared with 55 (51.9%, n=106) in actively smoking non-counseled patients (p=0.006). Counseled patients saw improvement in packs/day smoking with a mean reduction of 0.66 PPD (p=0.0001, [0.36, 0.95 95% CI]). Patients who attended &gt;2 meetings saw a mean PPD reduction of 1.13 (p=0.004, [0.49, 1.78 95% CI]). In patients who did not attend counseling, 82 (71.9%, n=114) were never successfully contacted. There was no significant difference in age, gender, race, or insurance between patients who attended or did-not-attend counseling. Conclusions: Our smoking cessation program demonstrates effectiveness in facilitating a significant decrease in PPD. However, low utilization presents an opportunity for quality improvement to identify barriers to engagement and improve patient outreach. Proposed interventions include strategies such as patient-portal mediated outreach, provider reminders in the EMR, and utilization of referral and scheduling at initial oncology appointment as quality metrics. Smoking cessation program. Program Efficacy Number of Visits Mean Packs/Day Decrease [95% CI] 1 (n=9) 0.31 [-0.12, 0.73] 2 (n=6)* 0.56 [0.20, 0.91] &gt;2 (n=8)** 1.13 [0.49, 1.78] Total (n=23)*** 0.66 [0.36, 0.95] Attended Counseling n (%) Did Not Attend Counseling n (%) Patients with Any Decrease in Packs/Day* 19 (82.6) 55 (51.9) Patients Attaining Relapse Free Cessation 9 (37.5) 26 (22.8) *p&lt;0.05, **p&lt;0.005, ***p&lt;0.0005.

Clinical Profiles and Risk Factors of Acute Myocardial Infarction in Young Adults: A Cross-Sectional Study in Myanmar.

Introduction Coronary artery disease (CAD) remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality globally, with an increasing prevalence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) among younger populations. Despite this rising trend, there are limited data from Myanmar on the clinical profile and associated risk factors for premature CAD in young adults. This study aims to investigate the clinical characteristics and predisposing risk factors for AMI in individuals aged 40 years and below, contributing to a better understanding of disease patterns in this population. Methods A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at the coronary care unit of Yangon General Hospital over a 12-month period from January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2019. A total of 59 young adults, diagnosed with AMI based on the Fourth Universal Definition of Myocardial Infarction, were included. Clinical data, laboratory investigations, and demographic characteristics were collected and analyzed. Results Among the 59 participants, 46 (78%) were male, and smoking was prevalent in 45 (76.3%) cases. Dyslipidemia was common, with 46 (77.9%) exhibiting low high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol levels and 27 (45.8%) having elevated total cholesterol. Hypertension was observed in 31 (52.5%) patients, and 32 (54.2%) reported a family history of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Furthermore, 28 (47.5%) of the cohort were classified as overweight, and 26 (44.1%) demonstrated low levels of physical activity. Chest pain was universally reported by all 59 (100%) patients as the presenting symptom. ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) was the predominant type, affecting 47 (79.6%) patients, with anterior wall involvement in 36 (61%) cases. Conclusion The findings of this study reveal that AMI in young adults is more prevalent among males, with smoking and dyslipidemia being the most significant risk factors. The high prevalence of low physical activity, hypertension, and overweight status further underscores the need for early lifestyle interventions. These results can be directly applied to clinical practice and public health policy in Myanmar by prioritizing smoking cessation programs, improving dyslipidemia management, and promoting physical activity in young populations. Additionally, this study provides a foundation for further research to explore more specific risk factors and paves the way for broader studies focusing on young AMI cases in Myanmar.

Residential Smoking Cessation Programs Effective, but Rare

Residential Smoking Cessation Programs Effective, but Rare

Knowledge, Attitude, and Barriers toward Smoking Cessation Counseling: A Cross-Sectional Study among Clinical Dental Students in Indonesia

Abstract Objectives The World Health Organization has promoted the integration of smoking cessation programs into normal dental treatment since they have significant positive effects on oral health. However, there are stillmany barriers including a lack of knowledge about the smoking cessation counseling (SCC). The high incidence of smoking is an important health challenge in Indonesia. This study determined the relationships between sociodemographic factors and knowledge about the effects of smoking on oral health, as well as knowledge of, attitudes about, and barriers to SCC among clinical dental students in Indonesia. Materials and Methods This was a cross-sectional study utilizing a questionnaire involving clinical dental students throughout Indonesia. Clinical dental students from 32 dental schools in Indonesia were invited to participate in the study. Twenty-seven dental schools agreed to participate in the study and the estimated sample size was 416 participants. The questionnaire included sociodemographic data, smoking status, knowledge about the effects of smoking on oral health, and knowledge of, attitudes about, and barriers to SCC. Statistical Analysis Mann–Whitney U and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used to determine differences in knowledge about the effects of smoking on oral health and the knowledge of, attitudes about, and barriers to SCC among clinical dental students' sociodemographic factors and smoking status. The Spearman's correlation analysis was used to determine the correlation between knowledge of, attitudes about, and barriers to SCC. Results A total of 614 students participated in the study. Significant differences were found in students' knowledge regarding the effects of smoking based on smoking status, SCC based on educational stages, attitudes based on sex and smoking status, and barriers based on sex (p &lt; 0.05). Significant relationships were found between students' knowledge of the effects of smoking and of SCC (r = 0.226), knowledge of the effects of smoking and attitudes about SCC (r = 0.110), knowledge of and attitudes about SCC (r = 0.162), knowledge of and barriers to SCC (r = –0.17), as well as attitudes about and barriers to SCC (i = –0.224). Conclusion Clinical dental students' knowledge regarding SCC are lacking, but they have positive attitude regarding SCC. It is necessary to improve education quality in every dental educational institution related to SCC.

Exercise as add-on therapy for smoking cessation in people with mental illness

Introduction &amp; Purpose The prevalence of smoking among people with mental illness is two to four times higher than in the general population. Unsuccessful quit attempts, often due to low confidence in their ability to quit, suggest that smokers with mental illness may benefit from additional smoking cessation strategies (Mann-Wrobel et al., 2011). Exercise as an adjunct treatment for smoking cessation in healthy individuals is increasingly recommended in the literature (Ussher et al., 2019), but there is limited data for people with mental illness. Therefore, the aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of an exercise program as an add-on therapy for smoking cessation in people with mental illness. Methods 66 smokers with a diagnosed mental illness or mood disorders were included in a randomized controlled trial and received a standardized group smoking cessation program. Out of these 66 smokers, 38 individuals additionally participated in an exercise group (Nordic walking) and 28 in a control group (social contact group discussing health issues). Outcome variables were assessed by questionnaires at baseline (data available for 59 participants: 32 exercise group, 27 control group), during (after 3 weeks), and at the end of the program (5 weeks). Results The study had a dropout rate of 32%. At the end of the program, the abstinence rate was 19% in the exercise group and 30% in the control group (intention-to-treat analysis). There were no significant time-by-group interaction effects for any outcome variables. Significant group differences were found after 3 weeks for internal stimuli of self-efficacy (smokers’ confidence to resist smoking in certain situations; p = 0.026, ƞ² = 0.121) and after 5 weeks for frequency (p = 0.003, ƞ² = 0.210) and intensity (p = 0.007, ƞ² = 0.174) of cigarette craving. The control group showed higher self-efficacy and lower frequency and intensity of cigarette craving compared to the exercise group. Main effects over time were observed in both groups with improvement in several outcome variables (e.g., self-efficacy, positive affect, frequency, and intensity of cigarette craving). Discussion Group differences may be explained by pre-existing differences in cigarette dependence, motivation to quit, and BMI at baseline. It is known from the literature that higher cigarette dependence can lead to less successful quitting and higher relapse rates (Gierisch et al., 2012). Participants also had difficulty integrating program content into their daily lives and had low attendance rates. According to Zhou et al. (2023), a higher adherence rate would lead to a higher quit rate. Since the study was conducted in groups, the influence of group dynamics on motivation to quit smoking needs to be considered. Conclusion An additional effect of exercise as an adjunctive therapy in smoking cessation could not be confirmed, since the control group showed better outcome scores. Due to the high dropout rate, further studies with larger samples are needed. Improving access to smoking cessation programs, developing additional strategies, integrating evidence-based treatment into existing settings, and training health care professionals to engage people with mental illness in smoking cessation remain important areas for improvement (Falcaro et al., 2021). References Falcaro, M., Osborn, D., Hayes, J., Coyle, G., Couperthwaite, L., Weich, S., &amp; Walters, K. R. (2021). Time trends in access to smoking cessation support for people with depression or severe mental illness: A cohort study in English primary care. BMJ Open, 11(12), Article e048341. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2020-048341 Gierisch, J. M., Bastian, L. A., Calhoun, P. S., McDuffie, J. R., &amp; Williams, J. W. (2012). Smoking cessation interventions for patients with depression: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of General Internal Medicine, 27(3), 351–360. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-011-1915-2 Mann-Wrobel, M. C., Bennett, M. E., Weiner, E. E., Buchanan, R. W., &amp; Ball, M. P. (2011). Smoking history and motivation to quit in smokers with schizophrenia in a smoking cessation program. Schizophrenia Research, 126(1-3), 277–283. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.schres.2010.10.030 Ussher, M. H., Faulkner, G. E. J., Angus, K., Hartmann-Boyce, J., &amp; Taylor, A. H. (2019). Exercise interventions for smoking cessation. The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 2019(10), Article CD002295. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD002295.pub6 Zhou, Y., Feng, W., Guo, Y., &amp; Wu, J. (2023). Effect of exercise intervention on smoking cessation: A meta-analysis. Frontiers in Physiology, 14, Article 1221898. https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2023.1221898

Abstract B021: Quitxt research study: A mobile messaging intervention to promote smoking cessation among young adult smokers in South Texas

Abstract Background: Despite major advances in tobacco control and treatment, tobacco use remains the single largest preventable cause of morbidity and mortality in the US. Smoking prevalence is highest among Texas young adults (ages 18-29), especially those with lower education and income and those living in rural areas, like Latinos. About 19.2% of Latinos ages 18-29 in the study areas are current smokers, putting them at higher risk of cancer and other tobacco-related morbidity and mortality. Young adults are heavy users of smartphones, text messaging, social media chats, and other mobile social media, providing a remarkable opportunity for innovation in the delivery of health promotion interventions to reduce health disparities in this large and rapidly growing racial/ethnic population. This research study aims to assess the effectiveness of Quitxt, our culturally appropriate mobile smoking cessation program. Quitxt – launched by our interdisciplinary research team using proven social cognitive, motivational interviewing, and brief intervention methods for promoting behavior change – blends bilingual text and social media messaging for smoking cessation tailored to the language and culture of young adult smokers in our vulnerable region of South Texas. The team also adapted the program to the Primary Care and Mays Cancer Center patient population, and it is currently being implemented. Quitxt has not been tested in a research study, as its creation as an evidence-based cancer prevention service for young adult smokers was supported by the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas. Methods: The proposed 5-year study involves a 2-group parallel randomized controlled trial with 4 assessments (baseline, 1, 3, and 6 months) and will recruit 1,200 young adult Latino smokers: 1)The intervention group will receive Quitxt (text messaging or chat); and 2) the usual care group will receive abbreviated text messaging with health promotion-related content, including smoking cessation and referral to the Texas DSHS cessation program YesQuit. Smoking cessation will be validated via biological tests for those who report smoking cessation at the study follow-ups. We hypothesize that the group receiving the Quitxt intervention will achieve significantly higher smoking cessation rates than the group receiving usual care. Results: The proposed intervention will mark the first significant study to assess the effectiveness of an innovative, bilingual, culturally, and linguistically appropriate mobile cessation intervention tailored to young adult Latinos living in South Texas by enhancing their skills development, competence, and self-efficacy to initiate and maintain cessation. Conclusion: This study will advance public health by testing the effectiveness of a scalable, evidence-based, easily disseminated, and adaptable intervention with potentially broad national reach to help young adults stop smoking and reduce smoking-related cancer and chronic disease morbidity and mortality and their associated healthcare costs. Citation Format: Patricia Chalela, Vivian Cortez, Sandra Sivak, Armida Flores, Martha De La Mora, Zully Garcia, Byeongyeob Choi, Edgar Muñoz, Cliff Despres, Alfred L. McAlister, Qurathul Ahmed, Audrey Cordova, Maria I. Sung-Cuadrado, Luis F. Velez, Sahak Kaghyan, Rahul Mundlamuri, David Akopian, Amelie G. Ramirez. Quitxt research study: A mobile messaging intervention to promote smoking cessation among young adult smokers in South Texas [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 17th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2024 Sep 21-24; Los Angeles, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2024;33(9 Suppl):Abstract nr B021.

Smoking cessation program preferences of individuals with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a qualitative study.

To explore the views of tobacco-smoking chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma-COPD overlap (ACO) patients on telehealth-based cessation programs and the role of e-cigarettes as an aid to quit smoking. Tobacco smoking accelerates the progression of COPD. Traditional smoking cessation programs often do not entirely address the unique needs of COPD patients, leading to suboptimal effectiveness for this population. This research is aimed at describing the attitudes and preferences of COPD and ACO patients toward innovative, telehealth-based smoking cessation strategies and the potential application of e-cigarettes as a quitting aid. A qualitative exploratory approach was adopted in this study, employing both focus groups and individual interviews with English-speaking adults with diagnosed COPD or ACO. Participants included both current smokers (≥ 5 cigarettes/day) and recent ex-smokers (who quit < 12 months ago). Data were systematically coded with iterative reliability checks and subjected to thematic analysis to extract key themes. A total of 24 individuals participated in this study. The emergent themes were the perceived structure and elements of a successful smoking cessation program, the possible integration of telehealth with digital technologies, and the strategic use of e-cigarettes for smoking reduction or cessation. The participants stressed the importance of both social and professional support in facilitating smoking cessation, expressing a high value for insights provided by ex-smokers serving as mentors. A preference was observed for group settings; however, the need for individualized plans was also highlighted, considering the diverse motivations individuals had to quit smoking. The participants perceived online program delivery as potentially beneficial as it could provide immediate access to support during cravings or withdrawals and was accessible to remote users. Opinions on e-cigarettes were mixed; some participants saw them as a less harmful alternative to conventional smoking, while others were skeptical of their efficacy and safety and called for further research.

Smoking cessation assistance among pneumologists and thoracic surgeons in Switzerland: a national survey.

Smoking, with a prevalence of about 25%-30% in Switzerland, is proven to cause major systemic, avoidable diseases including lung cancer, increasing societies morbidity and mortality. Diverse strong quitting smoking recommendations have been made available providing advice facilitating smoking cessation globally. In other European countries like Germany, clinical practice guidelines for smoking cessation services have been implemented. However, in Switzerland, there is still no national consensus on a comprehensive smoking cessation program for lung cancer patients nor on the adequate provider. Our primary aim was to assess the current status of smoking cessation practice among specialists, mainly involved in lung cancer care, in Switzerland in order to uncover potential shortcomings. A self-designed 14-items questionnaire, which was reviewed and approved by our working group consisting of pneumologists and thoracic surgeons, on demographics of the participants, the status of smoking cessation in Switzerland and specialists' opinion on smoking cessation was sent to thoracic surgeons and pneumologists between January 2024 and March 2024 via the commercially available platform www.surveymonkey.com. Data was collected and analysed with descriptive statistics. Survey response rate was 22.25%. Smoking cessation was felt to positively affect long term survival and perioperative outcome in lung cancer surgery. While 33 (37.08%) physicians were offering smoking cessation themselves usually and always (35.96%), only 12 (13.48%) were always referring their patients for smoking cessation. Patient willingness was clearly identified as main factor for failure of cessation programs by 63 respondents (70.79%). Pneumologists were deemed to be the most adequate specialist to offer smoking cessation (49.44%) in a combination of specialist counselling combined with pharmaceutic support (80.90%). The development of Swiss national guidelines for smoking cessation and the implementation of cessation counselling in standardized lung cancer care pathways is warranted in Switzerland to improve long-term survival and perioperative outcome of lung cancer patients.

Exploring Smokers Perspectives on Health Status and Health Seeking Behavior: A Qualitative Exploration

Objective: Smokers might tend to ignore when communicating about smoking health risks. We used Bourdieu’s conceptual tool to guide and explore their perception of being healthy despite their smoking behavior and their health seeking practice. Material and Methods: A qualitative method, using a semi-structured interview as the main method of collecting the data, was used. This method was implemented because of its flexibility in the exploration, based on participant responses. Results: The findings are reported as per the thematic analysis of 15 purposively selected participants. The ages of the 15 participants varied from 20 to 55 years old, and they were selected from the quantitative study to participate voluntarily in this qualitative exploration. Among them, 14 were males and one was female. The ethnic representation in this qualitative part were Malays (n=14) and Chinese (n=1). The duration of smoking varied in the sample, with the majority smoking for more than five years. Conclusion: This study better understands smokers’ health perception and their health-seeking behavior. Firstly, the perception of the less harmful effects of smoking on the health of smokers was understood within the views of Bourdieu’s Theory of Cultural Health Capital, which, in turn poses challenges to smoking cessation programs and campaigns. This study reported that smokers perceived themselves as healthy, and thus continued their smoking habit despite knowing its side effects.

Smoking and Cognitive and Mental Disorders: Evaluation of This Relationship in Elderly People in the Municipality of Porto Alegre – RS/Brazil

Objective: The objective of this study is to compare elderly smokers with elderly nonsmokers and to assess the prevalence of disorders in groups of current smokers, nonsmokers, and patients who have quit smoking. Theoretical Framework: Smoking is one of the main risk factors for a series of chronic diseases and debilitating conditions, including cognitive and mental disorders. The elderly population is particularly vulnerable to these impacts due to the coexistence of multiple comorbidities and the natural aging of the central nervous system (CNS). Method: Descriptive, cross-sectional study with prospective data collection, conducted in the city of Porto Alegre, capital of the state of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, with the elderly population (60 years or older) registered in the Family Health Strategy (ESF). Results and Discussion: In terms of current smoking, men (25.2%) tend to smoke more than women (18.4%), which is confirmed throughout their lives, representing 73.3% and 45.7%, respectively. Research Implications: The research can help to identify elderly individuals who are at greater risk of developing cognitive and mental disorders due to smoking early. This enables early interventions, such as smoking cessation programs integrated with psychological and psychiatric support. Originality/Value: The research focuses on a specific population — elderly individuals from Porto Alegre —, which allows for detailed analysis of a demographic group that is often underrepresented in studies on smoking and mental health.

Parental smoking and respiratory outcomes in young childhood cancer survivors.

Passive exposure to cigarette smoke has negative effects on respiratory health. Childhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at increased risk for respiratory disease due to treatment regimens that may harm the respiratory system. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of parental smoking among CCS and investigate its association with respiratory outcomes. As part of the Swiss Childhood Cancer Survivor Study, between 2007 and 2022, we sent questionnaires to parents of children aged ≤16 years who had survived ≥5 years after a cancer diagnosis. Parents reported on their children's respiratory outcomes including recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (otitis media and sinusitis), asthma, and lower respiratory symptoms (chronic cough persisting>3 months, current and exercise wheeze), and on parental smoking. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate associations between parental smoking and respiratory outcomes. Our study included 1037 CCS (response rate 66%). Median age at study was 12 years (interquartile range 10-14 years). Eighteen percent of mothers and 23% of fathers reported current smoking. CCS exposed to smoking mothers were more likely to have recurrent upper respiratory tract infections (OR 2.1; 95%CI 1.1-3.7) and lower respiratory symptoms (OR 2.0; 95%CI 1.1-3.7). We found no association with paternal smoking. A substantial proportion of CCS in Switzerland have parents who smoke. Exposure to maternal smoking was associated with higher prevalence of upper and lower respiratory problems. Healthcare providers can support families by addressing caregiver smoking behaviors and providing referrals to smoking cessation programs.