Telephone counselling for smoking cessation

Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients

BACKGROUND

In 2020, 32.6% of the world's population used tobacco. Smoking contributes to many illnesses that require hospitalisation. A hospital admission may prompt a quit attempt. Initiating smoking cessation treatment, such as pharmacotherapy and/or counselling, in hospitals may be an effective preventive health strategy. Pharmacotherapies work to reduce withdrawal/craving and counselling provides behavioural skills for quitting smoking. This review updates the evidence on interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalised patients, to understand the most effective smoking cessation treatment methods for hospitalised smokers.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effects of any type of smoking cessation programme for patients admitted to an acute care hospital.

SEARCH METHODS

We used standard, extensive Cochrane search methods. The latest search date was 7 September 2022.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We included randomised and quasi-randomised studies of behavioural, pharmacological or multicomponent interventions to help patients admitted to hospital quit. Interventions had to start in the hospital (including at discharge), and people had to have smoked within the last month. We excluded studies in psychiatric, substance and rehabilitation centres, as well as studies that did not measure abstinence at six months or longer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcome was abstinence from smoking assessed at least six months after discharge or the start of the intervention. We used the most rigorous definition of abstinence, preferring biochemically-validated rates where reported. We used GRADE to assess the certainty of the evidence.

MAIN RESULTS

We included 82 studies (74 RCTs) that included 42,273 participants in the review (71 studies, 37,237 participants included in the meta-analyses); 36 studies are new to this update. We rated 10 studies as being at low risk of bias overall (low risk in all domains assessed), 48 at high risk of bias overall (high risk in at least one domain), and the remaining 24 at unclear risk. Cessation counselling versus no counselling, grouped by intensity of intervention Hospitalised patients who received smoking cessation counselling that began in the hospital and continued for more than a month after discharge had higher quit rates than patients who received no counselling in the hospital or following hospitalisation (risk ratio (RR) 1.36, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.24 to 1.49; 28 studies, 8234 participants; high-certainty evidence). In absolute terms, this might account for an additional 76 quitters in every 1000 participants (95% CI 51 to 103). The evidence was uncertain (very low-certainty) about the effects of counselling interventions of less intensity or shorter duration (in-hospital only counselling ≤ 15 minutes: RR 1.52, 95% CI 0.80 to 2.89; 2 studies, 1417 participants; and in-hospital contact plus follow-up counselling support for ≤ 1 month: RR 1.04, 95% CI 0.90 to 1.20; 7 studies, 4627 participants) versus no counselling. There was moderate-certainty evidence, limited by imprecision, that smoking cessation counselling for at least 15 minutes in the hospital without post-discharge support led to higher quit rates than no counselling in the hospital (RR 1.27, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.58; 12 studies, 4432 participants). Pharmacotherapy versus placebo or no pharmacotherapy Nicotine replacement therapy helped more patients to quit than placebo or no pharmacotherapy (RR 1.33, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.67; 8 studies, 3838 participants; high-certainty evidence). In absolute terms, this might equate to an additional 62 quitters per 1000 participants (95% CI 9 to 126). There was moderate-certainty evidence, limited by imprecision (as CI encompassed the possibility of no difference), that varenicline helped more hospitalised patients to quit than placebo or no pharmacotherapy (RR 1.29, 95% CI 0.96 to 1.75; 4 studies, 829 participants). Evidence for bupropion was low-certainty; the point estimate indicated a modest benefit at best, but CIs were wide and incorporated clinically significant harm and clinically significant benefit (RR 1.11, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.43, 4 studies, 872 participants). Hospital-only intervention versus intervention that continues after hospital discharge Patients offered both smoking cessation counselling and pharmacotherapy after discharge had higher quit rates than patients offered counselling in hospital but not offered post-discharge support (RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.09 to 1.38; 7 studies, 5610 participants; high-certainty evidence). In absolute terms, this might equate to an additional 34 quitters per 1000 participants (95% CI 13 to 55). Post-discharge interventions offering real-time counselling without pharmacotherapy (RR 1.23, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.60, 8 studies, 2299 participants; low certainty-evidence) and those offering unscheduled counselling without pharmacotherapy (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.83 to 1.14; 2 studies, 1598 participants; very low-certainty evidence) may have little to no effect on quit rates compared to control. Telephone quitlines versus control To provide post-discharge support, hospitals may refer patients to community-based telephone quitlines. Both comparisons relating to these interventions had wide CIs encompassing both possible harm and possible benefit, and were judged to be of very low certainty due to imprecision, inconsistency, and risk of bias (post-discharge telephone counselling versus quitline referral: RR 1.23, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.51; 3 studies, 3260 participants; quitline referral versus control: RR 1.17, 95% CI 0.70 to 1.96; 2 studies, 1870 participants).

AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS

Offering hospitalised patients smoking cessation counselling beginning in hospital and continuing for over one month after discharge increases quit rates, compared to no hospital intervention. Counselling provided only in hospital, without post-discharge support, may have a modest impact on quit rates, but evidence is less certain. When all patients receive counselling in the hospital, high-certainty evidence indicates that providing both counselling and pharmacotherapy after discharge increases quit rates compared to no post-discharge intervention. Starting nicotine replacement or varenicline in hospitalised patients helps more patients to quit smoking than a placebo or no medication, though evidence for varenicline is only moderate-certainty due to imprecision. There is less evidence of benefit for bupropion in this setting. Some of our evidence was limited by imprecision (bupropion versus placebo and varenicline versus placebo), risk of bias, and inconsistency related to heterogeneity. Future research is needed to identify effective strategies to implement, disseminate, and sustain interventions, and to ensure cessation counselling and pharmacotherapy initiated in the hospital is sustained after discharge.

Effectiveness of Applying Green Heart, a Smartphone-Based Self-management Intervention to Control Smoking: A Randomized Clinical Trial

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health concern and are the most common cause of death and disability, necessitating preventive interventions targeting modifiable risk factors. Recently, mobile-health technology has been developed to improve the delivery of cardiovascular prevention by risk factor modification. The "Green Heart" mobile application (app) was designed to aid in risk factor control among coronary artery disease (CAD) patients.

METHODS

This parallel-group, single-blinded randomized controlled trial enrolled 1590 CAD patients, including 668 current smokers, randomly assigned to control (paper-based education) and intervention (application-based) groups. The app encompassed three modules targeting smoking cessation, dyslipidemia control, and blood pressure management. This study evaluated the impact of the smoking cessation module on behavioral change among current smokers. Green Heart assesses nicotine dependence, offering personalized quit plans, educational content, motivational messages, and automated progress tracking. The odds of smoking behavior changes during the 24-week follow-up underwent assessment.

RESULTS

The intention-to-treat analysis highlighted significantly elevated rates of smoking cessation and reductions in the intervention group versus the control group. Adherence to the app (per-treatment analysis) also demonstrated significantly more favorable smoking behavior changes among the application users. Logistic regression emphasized higher odds of quitting and reduction in smoking in the application group, showing an odds ratio of 2.14 (95% CI: 1.16-3.97) compared to those not using the app (P=0.015).

CONCLUSION

Our results confirmed that complete adherence to the app for at least 24 weeks was linked to alterations in cigarette smoking behavior among CAD patients. Trial Registration Number: IRCT20221016056204N1.

Barriers to smoking interventions in community healthcare settings: a scoping review

Smoking is one of the major causes of preventable death and is considered the greatest threat to global public health. While the prevalence of smoking has decreased, population growth has led to an increase in the absolute number of smokers. There are many proven smoking cessation interventions available to support smokers in their quit attempts. Most people who smoke, however, underutilize the treatments available to them. This scoping review aimed to identify the current barriers experienced by all stakeholders (smokers, service providers and policymakers) to existing evidence-based smoking cessation interventions in community healthcare settings. Five electronic databases (CINAHL, Ovid MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science) were searched for relevant literature. A total of 40 eligible articles from different countries published between 2015 and 2022 were included in the review and content analysis carried out to identify the key barriers to smoking cessation interventions. Seven key themes were found to be common to all stakeholders: (i) literacy, (ii) competing demands and priorities, (iii) time, (iv) access to product, (v) access to service, (vi) workforce and (vii) motivation/readiness. These themes were mapped to the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model. This study presents the effect the barriers within these themes have on current smoking cessation services and highlights priorities for future interventions.

Reintroducing face-to-face support alongside remote support to form a hybrid stop smoking service in England: a formative mixed methods evaluation

BACKGROUND

During the COVID-19 pandemic, United Kingdom (UK) stop smoking services had to shift to remote delivery models due to social distancing regulations, later reintroducing face-to-face provision. The "Living Well Smokefree" service in North Yorkshire County Council adopted a hybrid model offering face-to-face, remote, or a mix of both. This evaluation aimed to assess the hybrid approach's strengths and weaknesses and explore potential improvements.

METHODS

Conducted from September 2022 to February 2023, the evaluation consisted of three components. First, qualitative interviews involved 11 staff and 16 service users, analysed thematically. Second, quantitative data from the QuitManager system that monitored the numbers and proportions of individuals selecting and successfully completing a 4-week quit via each service option. Third, face-to-face service expenses data was used to estimate the value for money of additional face-to-face provision. The qualitative findings were used to give context to the quantitative data via an "expansion" approach and complementary analysis.

RESULTS

Overall, a hybrid model was seen to provide convenience and flexible options for support. In the evaluation, 733 individuals accessed the service, with 91.3% selecting remote support, 6.1% face-to-face, and 2.6% mixed provision. Remote support was valued by service users and staff for promoting openness, privacy, and reducing stigma, and was noted as removing access barriers and improving service availability. However, the absence of carbon monoxide monitoring in remote support raised accountability concerns. The trade-off in "quantity vs. quality" of quits was debated, as remote support reached more users but produced fewer carbon monoxide-validated quits. Primarily offering remote support could lead to substantial workloads, as staff often extend their roles to include social/mental health support, which was sometimes emotionally challenging. Offering service users a choice of support options was considered more important than the "cost-per-quit". Improved dissemination of information to support service users in understanding their options for support was suggested.

CONCLUSIONS

The hybrid approach allows smoking cessation services to evaluate which groups benefit from remote, face-to-face, or mixed options and allocate resources accordingly. Providing choice, flexible provision, non-judgmental support, and clear information about available options could improve engagement and match support to individual needs, enhancing outcomes.

The association between telemedicine, advance care planning, and unplanned hospitalizations among high-risk patients with cancer

BACKGROUND

Despite the widespread implementation of telemedicine, there are limited data regarding its impact on key components of care for patients with incurable or high-risk cancer. For these patients, high-quality care requires detailed conversations regarding treatment priorities (advance care planning) and clinical care to minimize unnecessary acute care (unplanned hospitalizations). Whether telemedicine affects these outcomes relative to in-person clinic visits was examined among patients with cancer at high risk for 6-month mortality.

METHODS

This retrospective cohort study included adult patients with cancer with any tumor type treated at the University of Pennsylvania who were newly identified between April 1 and December 31, 2020, to be at high risk for 6-month mortality via a validated machine learning algorithm. Separate modified Poisson regressions were used to assess the occurrence of advance care planning and unplanned hospitalizations for telemedicine as compared to in-person visits. Additional analyses were done comparing telemedicine type (video or phone) as compared to in-person clinic visits.

RESULTS

The occurrence of advance care planning was similar between telemedicine and in-person visits (6.8% vs. 6.0%; adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.25; 95% CI, 0.92-1.69). In regard to telemedicine subtype, patients exposed to video encounters were modestly more likely to have documented advance care planning in comparison to those seen in person (7.5% vs. 6.0%; aRR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.03-2.11). The 3-month risk for unplanned hospitalization was comparable for telemedicine compared to in-person clinic encounters (21% vs. 18%; aRR, 1.06; 95% CI, 0.81-1.38).

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, care delivered by telemedicine, compared to in-person clinic visits, produced comparable rates of advance care planning conversations without increasing hospitalizations, which suggests that vulnerable patients can be managed safely by telemedicine.

Smoking Cessation Counseling in Practice: A Qualitative Analysis of Quitline Conversations in Queensland, Australia

Telephone-based services are a practical and effective behavioral support for smoking cessation, yet no in-depth analyses of this counseling have been conducted. Understanding the general content of Quitline conversations can help to improve current practices and may inform future interventions. Therefore, we aimed to independently explore conversation themes, topics, and client questions during Quitline counseling sessions with Quitline clients in Queensland, Australia. A purposive sample of 30 recorded counseling sessions, completed between January and March 2019, were de-identified, transcribed, and thematically analyzed. Seven themes, encompassing 35 topics, were derived from 26 initial calls and four follow-up calls: (1) Client details and building rapport; (2) Client history and motivation to quit; (3) Pharmacotherapy; (4) Behavioral aspects of quitting and relationship with smoking; (5) Understanding nicotine dependence and other important considerations; (6) Additional support and smoking cessation resources; and (7) Planning, goal setting and follow-up. Three themes emerged from 18 client questions including (1) Pharmacotherapy safety and contraindications; (2) Pharmacotherapy instructions and mechanism of action; and (3) Physiology of nicotine dependence. This is the first qualitative analysis of the content of Quitline counseling sessions in Australia. Counselors collect and deliver a breadth of information to provide tailored, evidence-based health care, while building rapport and trust. Findings may be translatable into personalized self-help interventions that are more accessible or appealing to people reluctant to contact Quitline. Harnessing educational opportunities regarding pharmacotherapy adherence and misconceptions can improve client confidence in the product and smoking cessation outcomes. Further research will map conversations to motivational interviewing and behavior change techniques.

Quitline usage does not improve rates of smoking cessation in orthopaedic trauma patients unless combined with nicotine replacement therapy

PURPOSE

The negative effects of smoking following traumatic orthopaedic injury can lead to serious complications and decreased quality of life. The widely available quitline could be easily implemented in the orthopaedic postoperative period to improve outcome, but the effectiveness of this intervention in this population is unknown. The goal of this study was to determine if active referral to a quitline would improve rates of smoking cessation in this population.

METHODS

This is a secondary analysis of a randomized control trial assessing the effectiveness of an inpatient intervention with varying intensities to promote smoking cessation. Participants were actively referred to the quitline as part of their intervention. Participants were surveyed at 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months following their injury for 7-day abstinence, chemically confirmed with exhaled carbon monoxide monitoring.

RESULTS

Smoking quitline use alone does not independently improve 7-day abstinence. Quitline and nicotine use are synergistic (OR, 5.6 vs. 2.3 at 3 months in patients who used nicotine patch and quitline vs. patch; OR, 7.8 vs. 2.1 at 3 months in patients who used any NRT and quitline vs. NRT alone).

CONCLUSIONS

NRT use improves smoking cessation rates in orthopaedic trauma patients. Although smoking quitline use might not independently improve cessation rates in orthopaedic trauma patients postoperatively, concomitant use of NRT with quitline improves quit rates over NRT alone. Patients referred to quitline should be encouraged to use NRT.

A phone-based tobacco use cessation program for people living with HIV in Uganda and Zambia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and short messaging service (SMS)-based tobacco cessation interventions have demonstrated effectiveness in reducing tobacco use in many populations, but evidence is needed on which tailored treatments are most efficacious in meeting the complex medical and psychosocial factors confronting people living with HIV (PLWH) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). This paper describes the protocol of a study to test the efficacy of both NRT and a tailored SMS-based tobacco use cessation intervention among PLWH in Uganda and Zambia.

METHODS

In a randomized controlled trial, 800 adult PLWH who use tobacco will be recruited by health care professionals at HIV treatment centers where they are receiving care. Participants will be randomized to one of the four study arms: (1) standard of care [SOC; brief clinician advice to quit combined with HIV education and information aimed at encouraging HIV treatment adherence (with no mention of tobacco) delivered via text messages]; (2) SOC + 12 weeks of NRT; (3) SOC + 6 weeks of SMS text messages to support quitting tobacco use (SMS); or (4) SOC + NRT + SMS. Participants will receive a cell phone and solar panel with power bank for charging the phone. The main outcome is cessation of tobacco use by study participants verified by urinary cotinine (< 15 ng/mL) at 6 months post-enrollment. As a secondary tobacco use outcome, we will measure 7-day point-prevalence abstinence (7 consecutive days of no tobacco use) measured by self-report and biochemically-verified at 4 weeks, 8 weeks, and 3 months post enrollment.

DISCUSSION

Our study will provide insight into the efficacy, feasibility and applicability of delivering tobacco cessation interventions through health care professionals combined with tailored tobacco cessation SMS text messaging in two countries with different tobacco use patterns, policy environments, and health care resources and provide needed information to providers and policymakers looking for cost-effective tobacco cessation interventions. The previously tested SMS-platform to be used in our study is uniquely positioned to be scaled in low- and middle-income countries worldwide, in which case evidence of even modest success in reducing the prevalence of tobacco consumption among PLWH could confer enormous health and economic benefits.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT05487807. Registered August 4, 2022, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/record/NCT05487807.

Recommandations pour des soins préventifs pour promouvoir l’équité en matière de santé

Contexte:

Malgré des investissements importants dans un système de soins de santé public qui comprend des services préventifs, on continue d’observer des disparités évitables en matière de santé au Canada. L’équipe avait pour objectif de formuler des recommandations pour des soins de santé préventifs qui puissent améliorer l’équité en matière de santé par la priorisation des interventions efficaces à l’intention des groupes défavorisés.

Méthodes:

La ligne directrice a été élaborée par un comité composé de spécialistes en soins primaires et de membres de la patientèle, avec la contribution d’un groupe de patientes-et patientspartenaires ayant vécu diverses expériences. Après avoir sélectionné les sujets à prioriser, nous avons recensé les revues systématiques, les essais randomisés et contrôlés récents sur les méthodes de dépistage et d’autres études pertinentes sur l’efficacité du dépistage et de la prise en charge. Nous avons utilisé l’approche GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation) pour formuler les recommandations et avons suivi le guide AGREE II (Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation) pour rédiger le rapport. Il en a été de même avec les principes du Guidelines International Network pour la gestion des intérêts concurrents. Les recommandations ont été passées en revue par un comité externe d’experts en contenu avant d’être distribuées à des intervenants à l’échelle nationale pour approbation.

Recommandations:

Nous avons formulé 15 recommandations concernant le dépistage et d’autres soins préventifs et 1 recommandation de nature politique visant à améliorer l’accès aux soins primaires. Ainsi, nous recommandons de prioriser une stratégie de communication pour le dépistage du cancer colorectal à partir de l’âge de 45 ans et pour l’évaluation du risque de maladie cardiovasculaire pour lutter contre les iniquités en matière de santé et promouvoir la santé. Les interventions particulières qui devraient être déployées pour lutter contre les iniquités comprennent l’autodépistage du virus du papillome humain (VPH) et du VIH, et le test de libération de l’interféron γ pour l’infection tuberculeuse. Le dépistage de la dépression, de la toxicomanie, de la violence conjugale et de la pauvreté devrait également permettre aux personnes touchées d’accéder plus facilement à des interventions éprouvées. Nous recommandons une prise de contact systématique avec des professionnels de la santé en soins primaires pour les personnes défavorisées.

Interprétation:

Les interventions préventives éprouvées peuvent aider à combattre les iniquités en matière de santé si la priorité est accordée aux personnes défavorisées. Les médecins, les organisations de santé et les gouvernements devraient adopter des mesures fondées sur des données probantes et en faire le suivi s’ils veulent promouvoir l’équité en matière de santé partout au Canada.

Establishment of the first Australian public and health-professional palliative care advice service: exploring caller needs and gaps in care

This study explores and describes the state-wide needs of the first 1000 calls to the newly established Victorian Palliative Care Advice Service (PCAS). A retrospective analysis investigated calls from the Victorian general public (n  = 618 calls) and healthcare professionals (n  = 382 calls) to PCAS between 26 May 2020 and 24 October 2022. Caller demographics, disease type, reason for call, and perceived utility of service were described. Most calls were from members of the public (62%) and related to malignant conditions (41%). Regional/rural clients comprised 45% of all calls to the service, of which half (50%) were health professionals seeking advice on symptom management and medication. One-third (29.3%) of all calls from health professionals were escalated to a palliative care medical consultant. PCAS prevented calls to emergency services in 10% of cases, and 82% of callers reported their issue was 'very much' or 'completely' addressed by PCAS. PCAS was shown to be frequently used by the public and healthcare professionals supporting patients with advanced, life-limiting illnesses. The service provided a solution without requiring complex technology, delivering a rapid connection for consumers with specialist palliative care expertise that might otherwise be unavailable, particularly in regional areas.

Texas tobacco quitline knowledge, attitudes, and practices within healthcare agencies serving individuals with behavioral health needs: A multimethod study

Patients with behavioral health conditions have disproportionately high tobacco use rates and face significant barriers to accessing evidence-based tobacco cessation services. Tobacco quitlines are an effective and accessible resource, yet they are often underutilized. We identify knowledge, practices, and attitudes towards the Texas Tobacco Quitline (TTQL) within behavioral healthcare settings in Texas. Quantitative and qualitative data were collected in 2021 as part of a statewide needs assessment in behavioral healthcare settings. Survey respondents (n = 125) represented 23 Federally Qualified Health Centers, 29 local mental health authorities (LMHAs), 12 substance use treatment programs in LMHAs, and 61 standalone substance use treatment centers (26 people participated in qualitative interviews). Over half of respondents indicated familiarity with the TTQL and believed that the TTQL was helpful for quitting. Qualitative findings reveal potential concerns about inconsistency of services, long wait time, and the format of the quitline. About half of respondents indicated that their center promoted patient referral to TTQL, and few indicated that their center had an electronic referral system with direct TTQL referral capacity. Interview respondents reported overall lack of systematic follow up with patients regarding their use of the TTQL services. Findings suggest the need for (1) increased TTQL service awareness among healthcare providers; (2) further investigation into any changes needed to better serve patients with behavioral health conditions who use tobacco; and (3) electronic health record integration supporting direct referrals and enhanced protocols to support patient follow up after TTQL referral.

Preventive care recommendations to promote health equity

BACKGROUND

Avoidable disparities in health outcomes persist in Canada despite substantial investments in a publicly funded health care system that includes preventive services. Our objective was to provide preventive care recommendations that promote health equity by prioritizing effective interventions for people experiencing disadvantages.

METHODS

The guideline was developed by a primary care provider-patient panel, with input from a patient-partner panel with diverse lived experiences. After selecting priority topics, we searched for systematic reviews and recent randomized controlled trials of screening and other relevant studies of screening accuracy and management efficacy. We used the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach to develop recommendations and followed the Appraisal of Guidelines for Research and Evaluation (AGREE II) reporting guidance. We managed competing interests using the Guideline International Network principles. The recommendations were externally reviewed by content experts and circulated for endorsement by national stakeholders.

RECOMMENDATIONS

We developed 15 screening and other preventive care recommendations and 1 policy recommendation on improving access to primary care. We recommend prioritized outreach for colorectal cancer screening starting at age 45 years and for cardiovascular disease risk assessment, to help address inequities and promote health. Specific interventions that should be rolled out in ways that address inequities include human papillomavirus (HPV) self-testing, HIV self-testing and interferon-γ release assays for tuberculosis infection. Screening for depression, substance use, intimate partner violence and poverty should help connect people experiencing specific disadvantages with proven interventions. We recommend automatic connection to primary care for people experiencing disadvantages.

INTERPRETATION

Proven preventive care interventions can address health inequities if people experiencing disadvantages are prioritized. Clinicians, health care organizations and governments should take evidence-based actions and track progress in promoting health equity across Canada.

Effectiveness of eHealth Smoking Cessation Interventions: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

BACKGROUND

Rapid advancements in eHealth and mobile health (mHealth) technologies have driven researchers to design and evaluate numerous technology-based interventions to promote smoking cessation. The evolving nature of cessation interventions emphasizes a strong need for knowledge synthesis.

OBJECTIVE

This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to summarize recent evidence from randomized controlled trials regarding the effectiveness of eHealth-based smoking cessation interventions in promoting abstinence and assess nonabstinence outcome indicators, such as cigarette consumption and user satisfaction, via narrative synthesis.

METHODS

We searched for studies published in English between 2017 and June 30, 2022, in 4 databases: PubMed (including MEDLINE), PsycINFO, Embase, and Cochrane Library. Two independent reviewers performed study screening, data extraction, and quality assessment based on the GRADE (Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations) framework. We pooled comparable studies based on the population, follow-up time, intervention, and control characteristics. Two researchers performed an independent meta-analysis on smoking abstinence using the Sidik-Jonkman random-effects model and log risk ratio (RR) as the effect measurement. For studies not included in the meta-analysis, the outcomes were narratively synthesized.

RESULTS

A total of 464 studies were identified through an initial database search after removing duplicates. Following screening and full-text assessments, we deemed 39 studies (n=37,341 participants) eligible for this review. Of these, 28 studies were shortlisted for meta-analysis. According to the meta-analysis, SMS or app text messaging can significantly increase both short-term (3 months) abstinence (log RR=0.50, 95% CI 0.25-0.75; I2=0.72%) and long-term (6 months) abstinence (log RR=0.77, 95% CI 0.49-1.04; I2=8.65%), relative to minimal cessation support. The frequency of texting did not significantly influence treatment outcomes. mHealth apps may significantly increase abstinence in the short term (log RR=0.76, 95% CI 0.09-1.42; I2=88.02%) but not in the long term (log RR=0.15, 95% CI -0.18 to 0.48; I2=80.06%), in contrast to less intensive cessation support. In addition, personalized or interactive interventions showed a moderate increase in cessation for both the short term (log RR=0.62, 95% CI 0.30-0.94; I2=66.50%) and long term (log RR=0.28, 95% CI 0.04-0.53; I2=73.42%). In contrast, studies without any personalized or interactive features had no significant impact. Finally, the treatment effect was similar between trials that used biochemically verified or self-reported abstinence. Among studies reporting outcomes besides abstinence (n=20), a total of 11 studies reported significantly improved nonabstinence outcomes in cigarette consumption (3/14, 21%) or user satisfaction (8/19, 42%).

CONCLUSIONS

Our review of 39 randomized controlled trials found that recent eHealth interventions might promote smoking cessation, with mHealth being the dominant approach. Despite their success, the effectiveness of such interventions may diminish with time. The design of more personalized interventions could potentially benefit future studies.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PROSPERO CRD42022347104; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=347104.

A telephone-based smoking cessation intervention for individuals with COVID-19: A randomized controlled feasibility study

INTRODUCTION

Increasing evidence suggests that a diagnosis of a respiratory health condition, such as COVID-19, can prompt a smoker to quit, providing an opportunity to promote and support smoking cessation. However, mandatory quarantine, because of a COVID-19 infection, may stimulate an increase in smoking, making such efforts seem inappropriate or ineffective. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of a telephone-based smoking cessation intervention for smokers with COVID-19 in Malta.

METHODS

An experimental design with a mixed-methods approach was adopted. Participants (n=80) were recruited from a COVID-19 testing center and equally randomized to the intervention (advised to quit and offered three or four telephone-based smoking cessation support sessions) and control (no intervention) groups. Both groups were asked about their smoking habits at baseline and at follow-up at 1 month and at 3 months. The participants in the intervention group were invited to provide feedback on the intervention using questionnaires and by holding interviews.

RESULTS

Participants were recruited at a rate of 74.1% between March and April 2022. Most participants were female (58.8%), with a mean age of 41.6 years who smoked about 13 cigarettes per day. The majority (75%) accepted the offered smoking cessation support, receiving an average of two to three sessions. Findings indicate that the participants were satisfied with the support, finding it useful for attempting to quit. More participants in the intervention group reported a serious quitting attempt and a 7-day point prevalence abstinence at any point during the first month. However, 7-day point prevalence abstinence rates did not differ at the follow-up at 3 months.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that providing smoking cessation support to individuals with COVID-19 is feasible and well-received. However, the findings suggest that the intervention's impact may have been brief. Thus, further research is recommended before conducting a conclusive trial.

Helping low-income smokers quit: findings from a randomized controlled trial comparing specialized quitline services with and without social needs navigation

Background

Quitting smoking is especially challenging for low-income smokers due to high stress, high smoking prevalence around them, and limited support for quitting. This study aimed to determine whether any of three interventions designed specifically for low-income smokers would be more effective than standard tobacco quitline services: a specialized quitline, the specialized quitline with social needs navigation, or the standard quitline with social needs navigation.

Methods

Using a randomized 2 × 2 factorial design, low-income daily cigarette smokers (n = 1944) in Missouri, USA who called a helpline seeking assistance with food, rent or other social needs were assigned to receive Standard Quitline alone (n = 485), Standard Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (n = 484), Specialized Quitline alone (n = 485), or Specialized Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (n = 490). The target sample size was 2000, 500 per group. The main outcome was 7-day self-reported point prevalence abstinence at 6-month follow-up. Multiple imputation was used to impute outcomes for those missing data at 6-month follow-up. Binary logistic regression analyses were used to assess differences between study groups.

Findings

Participants were recruited from June 2017 to November 2020; most were African American (1111 [58%]) or White (666 [35%]), female (1396 [72%]), and reported <$10,000 (957 [51%]) or <$20,000 (1529 [82%]) annual pre-tax household income. At 6-month follow-up (58% retention), 101 participants in the Standard Quitline group reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (20.8% of those assigned at baseline, 38.1% after imputation). Quit rates in the Specialized Quitline (90 quitters, 18.6%, 38.1%) and Specialized Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (103 quitters, 21.0%, 39.8%) were not different from the Standard Quitline. Quit rates for Standard Quitline + Social Needs Navigation (74 quitters, 15.3%, 30.1%) were significantly lower than Standard Quitline (OR = 0.70, 95% CI = 0.50-0.98).

Interpretation

A specialized version of a state tobacco quitline was no more effective than standard quitline services in helping low-income smokers quit. Adding social needs navigation to a standard quitline decreased its effectiveness.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03194958.

Funding

National Cancer Institute: R01CA201429.

Comparison of in-person versus telephonic interview on tobacco cessation in an Indian dental setting

Oral health professionals in the dental office settings have a distinctive opportunity to increase tobacco abstinence rates among tobacco users as tobacco use has significant adverse effects on oral health. This review assesses the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions offered to cigarette smokers and smokeless tobacco users in the dental office setting. The following electronic retrieval systems and databases were searched for the identification of studies, The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PUBMED, GOOGLE SCHOLAR, SCIENCE DIRECT and TRIP. The review included randomized clinical trials assessing tobacco cessation interventions conducted by oral health professionals in the dental office setting. Seven clinical trials met the criteria for inclusion in this review. All the studies have employed behavioral therapy, telephonic counseling's and pharmacotherapy as interventional component. The rate of abstinence and biochemical validation were the outcome measurements. Since all the studies included were randomized clinical trials, the level of evidence was II. Available evidence suggests that telephonic interventions for tobacco use conducted by oral health professionals in the dental office setting may increase tobacco abstinence rates among smokers and smokeless tobacco users. This review data suggests that telephone has a pragmatic effect on interactional aspects of psychological therapy. Further research should be carried out to make conclusive recommendations regarding the intervention components that can be incorporated in the dental office settings.

Interventions for waterpipe smoking cessation

BACKGROUND

While cigarette smoking has declined globally, waterpipe smoking is rising, especially among youth. The impact of this rise is amplified by mounting evidence of its addictive and harmful nature. Waterpipe smoking is influenced by multiple factors, including appealing flavors, marketing, use in social settings, and misperceptions that waterpipe is less harmful or addictive than cigarettes. People who use waterpipes are interested in quitting, but are often unsuccessful at doing so on their own. Therefore, developing and testing waterpipe cessation interventions to help people quit was identified as a priority for global tobacco control efforts.  OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the effectiveness of tobacco cessation interventions for people who smoke waterpipes.

SEARCH METHODS

We searched the Cochrane Tobacco Addiction Review Group Specialized Register from database inception to 29 July 2022, using variant terms and spellings ('waterpipe' or 'narghile' or 'arghile' or 'shisha' or 'goza' or 'narkeela' or 'hookah' or 'hubble bubble'). We searched for trials, published or unpublished, in any language.

SELECTION CRITERIA

We sought randomized controlled trials (RCTs), quasi-RCTs, or cluster-RCTs of any smoking cessation interventions for people who use waterpipes, of any age or gender. In order to be included, studies had to measure waterpipe abstinence at a three-month follow-up or longer.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

We used standard Cochrane methods. Our primary outcome was abstinence from waterpipe use at least three months after baseline. We also collected data on adverse events. Individual study effects and pooled effects were summarized as risk ratios (RR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), using Mantel-Haenszel random-effects models to combine studies, where appropriate. We assessed statistical heterogeneity with the I2 statistic. We summarized secondary outcomes narratively. We used the five GRADE considerations (risk of bias, inconsistency of effect, imprecision, indirectness, and publication bias) to assess the certainty of the body of evidence for our primary outcome in four categories high, moderate, low, or very low.

MAIN RESULTS

This review included nine studies, involving 2841 participants. All studies were conducted in adults, and were carried out in Iran, Vietnam, Syria, Lebanon, Egypt, Pakistan, and the USA. Studies were conducted in several settings, including colleges/universities, community healthcare centers, tuberculosis hospitals, and cancer treatment centers, while two studies tested e-health interventions (online web-based educational intervention, text message intervention). Overall, we judged three studies to be at low risk of bias, and six studies at high risk of bias. We pooled data from five studies (1030 participants) that tested intensive face-to-face behavioral interventions compared with brief behavioral intervention (e.g. one behavioral counseling session), usual care (e.g. self-help materials), or no intervention. In our meta-analysis, we included people who used waterpipe exclusively, or with another form of tobacco. Overall, we found low-certainty evidence of a benefit of behavioral support for waterpipe abstinence (RR 3.19 95% CI 2.17 to 4.69; I2 = 41%; 5 studies, N = 1030). We downgraded the evidence because of imprecision and risk of bias. We pooled data from two studies (N = 662 participants) that tested varenicline combined with behavioral intervention compared with placebo combined with behavioral intervention. Although the point estimate favored varenicline, 95% CIs were imprecise, and incorporated the potential for no difference and lower quit rates in the varenicline groups, as well as a benefit as large as that found in cigarette smoking cessation (RR 1.24, 95% CI 0.69 to 2.24; I2 = 0%; 2 studies, N = 662; low-certainty evidence). We downgraded the evidence because of imprecision. We found no clear evidence of a difference in the number of participants experiencing adverse events (RR 0.98, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.44; I2 = 31%; 2 studies, N = 662). The studies did not report serious adverse events.   One study tested the efficacy of seven weeks of bupropion therapy combined with behavioral intervention. There was no clear evidence of benefit for waterpipe cessation when compared with behavioral support alone (RR 0.77, 95% CI 0.42 to 1.41; 1 study, N = 121; very low-certainty evidence), or with self-help (RR 1.94, 95% CI 0.94 to 4.00; 1 study, N = 86; very low-certainty evidence).  Two studies tested e-health interventions. One study reported higher waterpipe quit rates among participants randomized to either a tailored mobile phone or untailored mobile phone intervention compared with those randomized to no intervention (RR 1.48, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.05; 2 studies, N = 319; very low-certainty evidence). Another study reported higher waterpipe abstinence rates following an intensive online educational intervention compared with a brief online educational intervention (RR 1.86, 95% CI 1.08 to 3.21; 1 study, N = 70; very low-certainty evidence).  AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: We found low-certainty evidence that behavioral waterpipe cessation interventions can increase waterpipe quit rates among waterpipe smokers. We found insufficient evidence to assess whether varenicline or bupropion increased waterpipe abstinence; available evidence is compatible with effect sizes similar to those seen for cigarette smoking cessation.  Given e-health interventions' potential reach and effectiveness for waterpipe cessation, trials with large samples and long follow-up periods are needed. Future studies should use biochemical validation of abstinence to prevent the risk of detection bias. Finally, there has been limited attention given to high-risk groups for waterpipe smoking, such as youth, young adults, pregnant women, and dual or poly tobacco users. These groups would benefit from targeted studies.

Behavioral health care provider's beliefs, confidence, and knowledge in treating cigarette smoking in relation to their use of the 5A's intervention

Introduction

Evidence-based smoking cessation interventions are underused settings where behavioral health treatment is provided, contributing to smoking-related health disparities in this patient group. This study assessed the relationship of provider's beliefs about patients' smoking, perceptions of treatment capability, and knowledge of referral options and their use of the 5A's (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) intervention for smoking cessation.

Methods

Surveys were collected from providers in healthcare settings in Texas where patients receive behavioral health care (N = 86; 9 federally qualified health centers, 16 Local Mental Health Authorities (LMHAs), 6 substance use treatment programs in LMHAs, and 55 stand-alone substance use treatment centers). Logistic regression analyses were used to assess the association between provider's beliefs about patients' concern and desire to quit smoking; perceptions of their confidence, skills, and effectiveness in treating smoking; their knowledge of referral options; and their use of the 5A's with patients who smoked.

Results

Providers who believed that patients were concerned about smoking and wanted to quit; who perceived themselves as confident in providing cessation care, having the required skills, and being effective in providing advice; and/or who had greater referral knowledge were more likely to use the 5A's with patients who smoked than their (respective) provider counterparts (ps < 0.05).

Conclusion

Provider-level constructs affect their 5A's provision for patients with behavioral health needs. Future work should train providers to correct misconceptions about patients' interest in quitting, bolster their confidence, and provide referral options to support tobacco provision efforts.

Telephone versus face-to-face consultation on smoking cessation at primary health care centers in Qatar during COVID-19 pandemic

Smoking cessation leads to a reduction in risks of smoking-related morbidity and mortality. During the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, smoking cessation services were interrupted. Providing smoking cessation counseling by telephone could be a convenient and safe alternative to traditional face-to-face service. However, the effectiveness of telephone smoking cessation counseling has not yet been thoroughly investigated. This study evaluated telephone smoking cessation counseling compared to face-to-face consultations during the COVID-19 era. In addition, it investigated the association between sociodemographic and health-related factors and cessation rates. A retrospective cohort design was used. Participants were randomly selected from two lists: (1) telephone counseling and (2) face-to-face counseling in smoking cessation clinics in five primary health care centers in Qatar between March 2020 and March 2021. Cessation rates were compared between the two groups at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks. A multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify the significant associations with smoking cessation. Smokers who underwent telephone consultations had significantly lower quit rates at all follow-ups compared to those who attended face-to-face visits. At the 12-week follow-up, the adjusted odd ratio for quitting through face-to-face consultations was 1.96 (95% CI [1.15-3.35]) times higher than that achieved through telephone consultations. In addition to receiving face-to-face counseling, higher self-efficacy to cease smoking was an independent predictor of successful cessation. Providing smoking cessation counseling by telephone could be a safer but less effective mode of delivery versus traditional face-to-face encounters during the pandemic.

A Clinical Decision Support System for Motivational Messaging and Tobacco Cessation Treatment for Parents: Pilot Evaluation of Use and Acceptance

BACKGROUND

Research is needed to identify how clinical decision support (CDS) systems can support communication about and engagement with tobacco use treatment in pediatric settings for parents who smoke. We developed a CDS system that identifies parents who smoke, delivers motivational messages to start treatment, connects parents to treatment, and supports pediatrician-parent discussion.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to assess the performance of this system in clinical practice, including receipt of motivational messages and tobacco use treatment acceptance rates.

METHODS

The system was evaluated at one large pediatric practice through a single-arm pilot study from June to November 2021. We collected data on the performance of the CDS system for all parents. Additionally, we surveyed a sample of parents immediately after the clinical encounter who used the system and reported smoking. Measures were: (1) the parent remembered the motivational message, (2) the pediatrician reinforced the message, and (3) treatment acceptance rates. Treatments included nicotine replacement therapy, quitline referral (phone counseling), and/or SmokefreeTXT referral (text message counseling). We described survey response rates overall and with 95% confidence intervals (CIs).

RESULTS

During the entire study period, 8,488 parents completed use of the CDS: 9.3% (n = 786) reported smoking and 48.2% (n = 379) accepted at least one treatment. A total of 102 parents who smoke who used the system were approached to survey 100 parents (98% response rate). Most parents self-identified as female (84%), aged 25 to 34 years (56%), and Black/African American (94%), and had children with Medicaid insurance (95%). Of parents surveyed, 54% accepted at least one treatment option. Most parents recalled the motivational message (79%; 95% CI: 71-87%), and 31% (95% CI: 19-44%) reported that the pediatrician reinforced the motivational message.

CONCLUSION

A CDS system to support parental tobacco use treatment in pediatric primary care enhanced motivational messaging about smoking cessation and evidence-based treatment initiation.

[Smoking cessation in hospitalised patients - Initiate among inpatients, continue when outpatients - A Position Paper by the German Respiratory Society (DGP) Taskforce for Smoking Cessation]

Tobacco smoking is the greatest preventable health risk. The effects are serious, both individually and societal. Nevertheless, the current prevalence of tobacco smokers in Germany is still high at around 35 %. A recent strong increase in actively smoking adolescents (14- to 17-year-olds, current prevalence approx. 16 %) and young adults (18- to 24-year-olds, current prevalence approx. 41 %) is also a cause for concern. About a third of all inpatients continue smoking while being treated. The hospitalization of active smokers in acute and rehabilitation hospitals serves as a "teachable moment" for initiation of cessation offers. An intervention that begins in hospital and continues for at least a month after discharge results in about 40 % additional smokefree patients. It is scientifically well-researched, effective and cost-efficient. After initiation in hospital these measures can be continued via ambulatory cessation programs, rehabilitation facilities, an Internet or telephone service. In Germany, there are structured and quality-assured cessation offers, both for the inpatient and for the outpatient area. The biggest obstacle to broad establishment of such offers is the lack of reimbursement. Two feasible ways to change this would be the remuneration of the existing OPS 9-501 "Multimodal inpatient treatment for smoking cessation" and the establishment of quality contracts according to § 110a SGB V. An expansion of tobacco cessation measures in healthcare facilities would reduce smoking prevalence, associated burden of disease and consecutive costs.

Evaluation of an innovative mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation in Chinese smokers: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Developing accessible, affordable, and effective approaches to smoking cessation is crucial for tobacco control. Mobile health (mHealth) based interventions have the potential to aid smokers in quitting, and integrating treatments from multiple sources may further enhance their accessibility and effectiveness. As part of our efforts in smoking cessation, we developed a novel behavioral intervention delivery modality for smoking cessation that integrated three interventions using the WeChat app, called the "Way to Quit" modality (WQ modality). It is presented here the protocol for a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effectiveness, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality in Chinese smokers.

METHODS

Eligible participants (n = 460) will be recruited via online advertisement in Beijing, China. They will be randomly assigned to receive either quitline-based treatment (QT, n = 230) or WQ modality-based treatment (WQ, n = 230) using a block randomization method. Participants in the QT group will receive telephone-assisted treatment over a four-week period (multi-call quitline protocol), while those in the WQ group will receive integrated interventions based on the WQ modality for four weeks. A four-week supply of nicotine replacement therapy (gums) will be provided to all participants. Participants will be asked to complete phone or online follow-up at 1, 3, 6, and 12-months. At 1-month follow-up, individuals with self-reported smoking abstinence for more than 7 days will be invited to receive an exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test for biochemical validation. The primary aim is to determine whether the WQ modality is effective in assisting smokers in quitting smoking. The secondary aims are to evaluate the acceptability, satisfaction, and cost-effectiveness of the WQ modality.

DISCUSSION

If the WQ modality is determined to be effective, acceptable, and affordable, it will be relatively easy to reach and provide professional cessation treatments to the communities, thus helping to reduce the disparities in smoking cessation services between different regions and socioeconomic groups.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2200066427, Registered December 5, 2022.

A Systematic Review Evaluating Disparities in State-Run Quitline Utilization and Effectiveness in the U.S

Context

Cigarette smoking is a public health problem in the U.S. and is marked by pervasive sociodemographic disparities. State-run quitlines may offer greater access to cessation services that could in turn help to reduce smoking disparities. The aim of this review was to synthesize the body of literature regarding sociodemographic disparities in the utilization and effectiveness of state-run quitlines.

Evidence acquisition

The PRISMA guidelines were followed in conducting this review. Included articles were published between January 1, 1992 and May 28, 2019 and sourced from PubMed and Web of Science. Studies that evaluated state-run quitline utilization or effectiveness (cessation) by sex, race/ethnicity, sexual or gender identity, or SES (income, education, insurance) were included.

Evidence synthesis

Our search yielded 2,091 unique articles, 17 of which met the criteria for inclusion. This review found that quitline utilization was higher among Black and Asian/Pacific Islander individuals than among White individuals and among people with lower income and lower education than among people with higher income and higher education. Quitline use was associated with less smoking cessation among females than among males, among American Indian/Alaskan Native individuals than among individuals from all other races and ethnicities, and among individuals of lower than among those of higher income and education.

Conclusions

This review found that although communities disproportionately affected by smoking utilize quitlines more commonly than their White and more affluent peers, disparities in cessation persist for American Indian/Alaskan Native and individuals from lower SES groups who use quitlines.

Usage, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of an mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation interventions in Western China

INTRODUCTION

Many smokers have not accessed professional smoking cessation assistance due to limited smoking cessation services. We developed a novel mHealth-based integrated modality for smoking cessation (WeChat + Quitline modality, WQ modality) and applied it to a large public welfare project (China Western-QUIT Program) in western China. This study evaluated the usage, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of the WQ modality in the population of western China.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study was conducted between April and August 2021. Smokers or their relatives were recruited through online advertisements and medical staff referrals. After using the services of the WQ modality for one month, the self-reported awareness, use, and satisfaction with each service among the participants were collected by a telephone interview. We also evaluated the self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence (PPA) and quit attempt rate among baseline current smokers. The usage data of each service were downloaded from quitline and WeChat platforms.

RESULTS

Of the 17326 people from western China using the WQ modality, the largest number of users was WeChat official account (11173), followed by WeChat mini program (3734), WeChat group (669), and quitline (541 inbound calls, 605 outbound calls). At one month follow-up, over 70% of participants who completed the baseline survey (n=2221) were aware of WeChat-based services, and over 50% used them. However, the awareness rate (11.1%) and utilization rate (0.5%) of quitline were relatively low. The median satisfaction scores across all services were 9 out of 10 points (IQR: 8-9). Among the baseline current smokers (n=1257), self-reported 7-day PPA was 41.8% (526/1257), and another 225 smokers (17.9%) reported making a quit attempt.

CONCLUSIONS

The WQ modality could be well used and accepted, and it has great potential to motivate and aid short-term smoking cessation in smokers from western China.

Predictors of Re-Engagement after Relapse in a Tobacco Quit Line Intervention: Secondary Analysis from a Randomized Clinical Trial

People who smoke often make several quit attempts before successfully maintaining abstinence. Therefore, incorporating re-engagement for people who fail to initially quit could increase quit attempts and ultimately increase cessation rates. Within the context of quit line-based interventions, it remains unknown what characteristics are associated with re-engagement. The purpose of this study was to assess associations between demographic and motivational characteristics, tobacco use, and initial intervention engagement with re-engagement in a tobacco quit line intervention. Among 372 adults who reported smoking three months after initiating a quit line-facilitated quit attempt as part of a larger randomized clinical trial, associations between personal characteristics (e.g., age, gender, nicotine dependence, and confidence in their ability to quit smoking) and initial intervention engagement (number of completed counseling sessions and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT)) with re-engagement (accepting an offer to re-initiate the quit line intervention) were determined using multivariable logistic regression modeling. Compared to non-White participants, White participants had lower odds of re-engaging (OR: 0.42, 95% CI: 0.23, 0.75). Number of initial counseling sessions completed was associated with re-engaging. NRT use during the initial intervention was not associated with re-engaging. Initial intervention engagement is important in the process of re-engagement, specifically attending counseling sessions. Exploration of associations between initial intervention engagement and potentially modifiable motivational factors is needed to be potentially leveraged in future interventions to maintain continued engagement in cessation among adults who smoke.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Tobacco Treatment Program Implementation at National Cancer Institute-Designated Cancer Centers

INTRODUCTION

The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted cancer screening and treatment delivery, but COVID-19's impact on tobacco cessation treatment for cancer patients who smoke has not been widely explored.

AIMS AND METHODS

We conducted a sequential cross-sectional analysis of data collected from 34 National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers participating in NCI's Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I), across three reporting periods: one prior to COVID-19 (January-June 2019) and two during the pandemic (January-June 2020, January-June 2021). Using McNemar's Test of Homogeneity, we assessed changes in services offered and implementation activities over time.

RESULTS

The proportion of centers offering remote treatment services increased each year for Quitline referrals (56%, 68%, and 91%; p = .000), telephone counseling (59%, 79%, and 94%; p = .002), and referrals to Smokefree TXT (27%, 47%, and 56%; p = .006). Centers offering video-based counseling increased from 2020 to 2021 (18% to 59%; p = .006), Fewer than 10% of centers reported laying off tobacco treatment staff. Compared to early 2020, in 2021 C3I centers reported improvements in their ability to maintain staff and clinician morale, refer to external treatment services, train providers to deliver tobacco treatment, and modify clinical workflows.

CONCLUSIONS

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a rapid transition to new telehealth program delivery of tobacco treatment for patients with cancer. C3I cancer centers adjusted rapidly to challenges presented by the pandemic, with improvements reported in staff morale and ability to train providers, refer patients to tobacco treatment, and modify clinical workflows. These factors enabled C3I centers to sustain evidence-based tobacco treatment implementation during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic.

IMPLICATIONS

This work describes how NCI-designated cancer centers participating in the Cancer Center Cessation Initiative (C3I) adapted to challenges to sustain evidence-based tobacco use treatment programs during the COVID-19 pandemic. This work offers a model for resilience and rapid transition to remote tobacco treatment services delivery and proposes a policy and research agenda for telehealth services as an approach to sustaining evidence-based tobacco treatment programs.

Feasibility and Acceptability of a Telephone-Based Smoking Cessation Intervention for Qatari Residents

The steady increase in smoking rates has led to a call for wide-reaching and scalable interventions for smoking cessation in Qatar. This study examined the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based smoking cessation program delivered by telephone for Qatari residents. A total of 248 participants were recruited through primary care centers and received five weekly scheduled proactive behavioral counseling calls from personnel trained in tobacco cessation and navigation to obtain cessation pharmacotherapy from clinics. Outcomes were assessed at end of treatment (EOT), and 1- and-3-month follow up. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the average number of participants recruited per month pre- and post-COVID. We recruited 16 participants/month, the majority (85.5%) attended at least one counselling session, and 95.4% used some of pharmacotherapy. Retention rates were 70% at EOT, 64.4% and 71.7% at 1- and 3-month follow up, respectively; 86% reported being 'extremely satisfied' by the program. Our ITT 7-day point prevalence abstinence was 41.6% at EOT, 38.4% and 39.3% at 1-and 3-month, respectively. The average number of participants recruited per month was significantly higher for pre vs. post-COVID (18.9 vs. 10.0, p-value = 0.02). Average number of participants retained at EOT per recruitment month showed a slight decrease from 8.6 pre- to 8.2 post-COVID; average number who quit smoking at EOT per recruitment month also showed a decrease from 6 to 4.6. The study results indicated that our telephone-based intervention is feasible and acceptable in this population and presents a new treatment model which can be easily disseminated to a broad population of Qatari smokers.

Koori Quit Pack mailout smoking cessation support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke: a feasibility study protocol

INTRODUCTION

Smoking remains the leading preventable cause of death for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in Australia. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke are more likely to make a quit attempt than their non-Aboriginal counterparts but less likely to sustain the quit attempt. There is little available evidence specifically for and by Indigenous peoples to inform best practice smoking cessation care.The provision of a free Koori Quit Pack with optional nicotine replacement therapy sent by mail may be a feasible, acceptable and effective way to access stop smoking support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

An Aboriginal-led, multisite non-randomised single-group, pre-post feasibility study across three states in Australia will be conducted. Participants will be recruited via service-targeted social media advertising and during usual care at their Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services. Through a process of self-referral, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who smoke daily will complete a survey and receive mailout smoking cessation support. Data will be collected over the phone by an Aboriginal Research Assistant. This pilot study will inform the development of a larger, powered trial.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

Ethics approval has been obtained from the Aboriginal Health & Medical Research Council Ethics Committee of New South Wales (NSW) (#1894/21) and the University of Newcastle (#H-2022-0174). Findings will be reported through peer-reviewed journals and presentations at relevant local, national and international conferences. The findings will be shared with the NSW and Victoria Quitline, Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council and Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisation and the National Heart Foundation.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER

ACTRN12622000654752.

Electronic health record closed-loop referral ("eReferral") to a state tobacco quitline: a retrospective case study of primary care implementation challenges and adaptations

BACKGROUND

Health system change can increase the reach of evidence-based smoking cessation treatments. Proactive electronic health record (EHR)-enabled, closed-loop referral ("eReferral") to state tobacco quitlines increases the rates at which patients who smoke accept cessation treatment. Implementing such system change poses many challenges, however, and adaptations to system contexts are often required, but are understudied. This retrospective case study identified adaptations to eReferral EHR tools and implementation strategies in two healthcare systems.

METHODS

In a large clustered randomized controlled trial (C-RCT; NCT02735382) conducted in 2016-2017, 11 primary care clinics in two healthcare systems implemented quitline eReferral, starting with 1 pilot clinic per system followed by 2 phases of implementation (an experimental phase in 5-6 test clinics per system and then a system-wide dissemination phase in both systems). Adaptations were informed by stakeholder input from live trainings, follow-up calls and meetings in the first month after eReferral launch, emails, direct observation by researchers, and clinic staff survey responses. Retrospective, descriptive analysis characterized implementation strategy modifications and adaptations using the Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications to Evidence-based Implementation Strategies (FRAME-IS). A pre- and post-implementation survey assessed staff ratings of eReferral acceptability and implementation barriers and facilitators.

FINDINGS

Major modifications to closed-loop eReferral implementation strategies included aligning the eReferral initiative with other high-priority health system objectives, modifying eReferral user interfaces and training in their use, modifying eReferral workflows and associated training, and maintaining and enhancing interoperability and clinician feedback functions. The two health systems both used Epic EHRs but used different approaches to interfacing with the quitline vendor and integrating eReferral into clinician workflows. Both health systems engaged in iterative refinement of the EHR alert prompting eReferral, the eReferral order, trainings, and workflows. Staff survey comments suggested moderate acceptability of eReferral processes and identified possible targets for future modifications in eReferral, including reducing clinician burden related to EHR documentation and addressing clinicians' negative beliefs about patient receptivity to cessation treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

System-wide implementation of tobacco quitline eReferral in primary care outpatient clinics is feasible but requires extensive coordination across stakeholders, tailoring to local health system EHR configurations, and sensitivity to system- and clinic-specific workflows.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

www.

CLINICALTRIALS

gov, NCT02735382 . Registered on 12 August 2016.

An EHR-automated and theory-based population health management intervention for smoking cessation in diverse low-income patients of safety-net health centers: a pilot randomized controlled trial

This study tested the preliminary effectiveness of an electronic health record (EHR)-automated population health management (PHM) intervention for smoking cessation among adult patients of a federally qualified health center in Chicago. Participants (N = 190; 64.7% women, 82.1% African American/Black, 8.4% Hispanic/Latino) were self-identified as smokers, as documented in the EHR, who completed the baseline survey of a longitudinal "needs assessment of health behaviors to strengthen health programs and services." Four weeks later, participants were randomly assigned to the PHM intervention (N = 97) or enhanced usual care (EUC; N = 93). PHM participants were mailed a single-page self-determination theory (SDT)-informed letter that encouraged smoking cessation or reduction as an initial step. The letter also addressed low health literacy and low income. PHM participants also received automated text messages on days 1, 5, 8, 11, and 20 after the mailed letter. Two weeks after mailing, participants were called by the Illinois Tobacco Quitline. EUC participants were e-referred following a usual practice. Participants reached by the quitline were offered behavioral counseling and nicotine replacement therapy. Outcome assessments were conducted at weeks 6, 14, and 28 after the mailed letter. Primary outcomes were treatment engagement, utilization, and self-reported smoking cessation. In the PHM arm, 25.8% of participants engaged in treatment, 21.6% used treatment, and 16.3% were abstinent at 28 weeks. This contrasts with no quitline engagement among EUC participants, and a 6.4% abstinence rate. A PHM approach that can reach all patients who smoke and address unique barriers for low-income individuals may be a critical supplement to clinic-based care.

Efficacy of Motivational Interviewing and Brief Interventions on tobacco use among healthy adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials

OBJECTIVES

To assess the effectiveness of a brief intervention and motivational interviewing in reducing the use of different tobacco-related products in adults.

METHODS

For this systematic review, PubMed, Web of Science, and PsychINFO databases were electronically searched for randomized controlled trialson the effect of a brief intervention and / or motivational interview on tobacco reduction among healthy adults published between January 1, 2011 to January 1, 2021. Data from eligible studies were extracted and analyzed. CONSORT guidelines were used to assess the quality of the studies by two reviewers for the included studies. The titles and abstracts of the search results were screened and reviewed by two independent reviewers for eligibility criteria per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Cochrane review criteria were used to assess the risk of bias in included studies.

RESULTS

A total of 12 studies were included in the final data extraction of 1406 studies. The brief intervention and motivational interviewing showed varied effects on tobacco use reduction among adults at different follow-ups. Seven of the 12 studies (58.3%) reported a beneficial impact on reducing tobacco use. Pieces of evidence on biochemical estimation on tobacco reduction are limited compared to self-reports, and varied results on quitting and tobacco cessation with different follow-ups.

CONCLUSIONS

The current evidence supports the effectiveness of a brief intervention and motivational interviewing to quit tobacco use. Still, it suggests using more biochemical markers as outcome measures to reach an intervention-specific decision. While more initiatives to train nurses in providing non-pharmacological nursing interventions, including brief interventions, are recommended to help people quit smoking.

One-year continuous abstinence rate for smoking cessation via telephonic counselling: The Indian scenario

Tobacco control methods differ by country, with telephonic counseling being one of them. The effectiveness of telephone counseling in smoking cessation has been discussed on several occasions. India's tobacco problem is more complex than that of any other country in the world. To begin with, tobacco is consumed in a variety of ways, and India is a large multilingual country with remarkable cultural diversity. In India, the National Tobacco Quitline Service (NTQLS) is a government-run program. Its data from May 2016 to May 2021 were analyzed retrospectively in this cross-sectional study to determine the prevalence and pattern of tobacco use in India, as well as the abstinence rate for smoking cessation. A total of 4,611,866 calls were received by the Interactive Voice Response system (IVR). The number of calls increased from 600 to 5400 per day after the toll-free number was printed on all tobacco products. Smokeless tobacco use was discovered to be more prevalent, with males significantly more likely to use both smoking and smokeless tobacco. At one month and one year after quitting, 33.42% and 21.9%, respectively, remained tobacco-free. The study emphasizes the efficacy of behavioral counseling in increasing abstinence rates. The printing of a toll-free number on tobacco products is an effective strategy for expanding the operation of quit lines. Despite the challenges of cultural diversity and complex tobacco use, India's quit line service has been able to provide counseling to callers with prolonged abstinence and quit rates comparable to the various quit lines around the world.

Adaptive interventions to optimise the mobile phone-based smoking cessation support: study protocol for a sequential, multiple assignment, randomised trial (SMART)

BACKGROUND

Mobile health (mHealth) is promising in developing personalised smoking cessation interventions. By using an adaptive trial design, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of personalised mHealth intervention in increasing smoking cessation.

METHODS

This study is a two-arm, parallel, accessor-blinded Sequential Multiple-Assignment Randomised Trial (SMART) that randomises 1200 daily cigarette smokers from 70 community sites at two timepoints. In the first phase, participants receive brief cessation advice plus referral assistance to smoking cessation services and are randomly allocated to receive personalised instant messaging (PIM) or regular instant messaging (RIM). In the second phase, PIM participants who are non-responders (i.e. still smoking at 1 month) are randomised to receive either optional combined interventions (multi-media messages, nicotine replacement therapy sampling, financial incentive for active referral, phone counselling, and family/peer support group chat) or continued-PIM. Non-responders in the RIM group are randomised to receive PIM or continued-RIM. Participants who self-report quitting smoking for 7 days or longer at 1 month (responders) in both groups continue to receive the intervention assigned in phase 1. The primary outcomes are biochemical abstinence validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (< 4 ppm) and salivary cotinine (< 10 ng/ml) at 3 and 6 months from treatment initiation. Intention-to-treat analysis will be adopted.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study using a SMART design to evaluate the effect of adaptive mHealth intervention on abstinence in community-recruited daily smokers. If found effective, the proposed intervention will inform the development of adaptive smoking cessation treatment and benefits smokers non-responding to low-intensity mHealth support.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03992742 . Registered on 20 June 2019.

Behavioural programmes for cigarette smoking cessation: investigating interactions between behavioural, motivational and delivery components in a systematic review and component network meta-analysis

AIMS

To investigate the comparative and combined effectiveness of four types of components of behavioural interventions for cigarette smoking cessation: behavioural (e.g. counselling), motivational (e.g. focus on reasons to quit), delivery mode (e.g. phone) and provider (e.g. nurse).

DESIGN

Systematic review and component network meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials identified from Cochrane reviews. Interventions included behavioural interventions for smoking cessation (including all non-pharmacological interventions, e.g. counselling, exercise, hypnotherapy, self-help materials), compared with another behavioural intervention or no support. Building on a 2021 review (CD013229), we conducted three analyses, investigating: comparative effectiveness of the components, whether models that allowed interactions between components gave different results to models assuming additivity, and predicted effect estimates for combined effects of components that had showed promise but where there were few trials.

SETTING

Community and health-care settings.

PARTICIPANTS

Adults who smoke tobacco.

MEASUREMENTS

Smoking cessation at ≥6 months, preferring sustained, biochemically validated outcomes where available.

FINDINGS

Three hundred and twelve trials (250 563 participants) were included. Fifty were at high risk of bias using Cochrane risk of bias tool, V1 (ROB1); excluding these studies did not change findings. Head-to-head comparisons of components suggested that support via text message (SMS) compared with telephone (OR 1.48, 95% CrI 1.13-1.94) or print materials (OR 1.44, 95% CrI 1.14-1.83) was more effective, and individual delivery was less effective than delivery as part of a group (OR 0.78, 95% CrI 0.64-0.95). There was no conclusive evidence of synergistic or antagonistic interactions when combining components that were commonly used together. Adding multiple components that are commonly used in behavioural counselling suggested clinically relevant and statistically conclusive evidence of benefit. Components with the largest effects that could be combined, but rarely have been, were estimated to increase the odds of quitting between two and threefold. For example, financial incentives delivered via SMS, with tailoring and a focus on how to quit, had an estimated OR of 2.94 (95% CrI 1.91-4.52).

CONCLUSIONS

Among the components of behavioural support for smoking cessation, behavioural counselling and guaranteed financial incentives are associated with the greatest success. Incorporating additional components associated with effectiveness may further increase benefit, with delivery via text message showing particular promise.

Effectiveness of the national German quitline for smoking cessation: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial

Background

Despite the decline in cigarette smoking prevalence during nearly the past two decades, tobacco use is still widespread in the German adult population, accounting for 125,000 deaths each year and causing tremendous social costs. To accelerate the reduction in tobacco smoking prevalence, evidence-based smoking cessation methods are pivotal to a national tobacco control strategy. The present study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of the national German Smokers Quitline offering cessation support to smokers.

Methods

A total sample of 910 daily smokers, who are motivated to quit, will be recruited via an online access panel and randomly assigned to either the intervention (telephone counselling) or control condition. In the intervention group, participants will receive up to six proactive phone calls during an intervention period of approximately six weeks. The provided treatment will combine the principles of motivational interviewing and those of the cognitive behavioural approach to treating substance use. Participants in the control condition will receive a self-help brochure to support smoking cessation. Data collection will take place at baseline as well as three (post assessment) and twelve months (follow-up assessment) after baseline assessment. Primary outcome measures will include the seven-day point prevalence abstinence at 3-month and 12-month assessments as well as prolonged abstinence (abstinence over the 12 month period). Secondary outcome measures will include a change in smoking-related cognitions and coping strategies among all participants. Among non-abstainers, treatment success indicators such as a reduction in number of cigarettes smoked per day and changes in the number and duration of quit attempts after intervention start will be assessed. It is expected that after both three and twelve months, smoking cessation rates will be higher in the telephone counselling condition compared to the control condition.

Discussion

The results will provide insights into the effectiveness of proactive telephone counselling by the national German Smokers Quitline.

Trial registration

The protocol for this study is registered with the German Clinical Trials Register: DRKS00025343, Date of registration: 2021/06/07, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do

A Randomized Trial of Telephone-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting

BACKGROUND

Lung cancer mortality is reduced via low-dose CT screening and treatment of early-stage disease. Evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in the lung screening setting can further reduce mortality. We report the results of a cessation trial from the NCI's SCALE collaboration.

METHODS

Eligible patients (N = 818) aged 50-80 were randomized (May 2017-January 2021) to the Intensive vs. Minimal arms (8 vs. 3 phone sessions plus 8 vs. 2 weeks of nicotine patches, respectively). Bio-verified (primary) and self-reported 7-day abstinence rates were assessed 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-randomization. Logistic regression analyses evaluated the effects of study arm. All statistical tests were two-sided.

RESULTS

Participants reported 48.0 (SD = 17.2) pack-years and 51.6% were not ready to quit in < 30 days. Self-reported 3-month quit rates were significantly higher in the Intensive vs. Minimal arm (14.3% vs. 7.9%; OR = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26,3.18). Bio-verified abstinence was lower but with similar relative differences between arms (9.1% vs. 3.9%; OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.44, 5.08). Compared to the Minimal arm, the Intensive arm was more effective among those with greater nicotine dependence (OR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.55, 7.76), normal screening results (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.32, 5.03), high engagement in counseling (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.50, 6.14) and patch use (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.39, 5.68). Abstinence rates did not differ significantly between arms at 6-months (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.68, 2.11) or 12-months (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.82, 2.42).

CONCLUSIONS

Delivering intensive telephone counseling and nicotine replacement with lung screening is an effective strategy to increase short-term smoking cessation. Methods to maintain short-term effects are needed. Even with modest quit rates, integrating cessation treatment into lung screening programs may have a large impact on tobacco-related mortality.

Smartphone Application for Smoking Cessation (Quit with US): A Randomized Controlled Trial among Young Adult Light Smokers in Thailand

This study aimed to determine the efficacy of a smartphone application named Quit with US among young adult smokers. An open-label, parallel, 2-group, randomized controlled trial with a 12-week follow-up was conducted between March and November 2020 among undergraduate students (18 to 24 years) in Chiang Mai Province, Thailand. A total of 273 participants were assigned by simple randomization procedure to the Quit with US intervention group (n = 137) or the control group (n = 136). All participants received pharmacists’ smoking cessation counseling at baseline and follow-ups. In addition, the intervention group’s participants were advised to use Quit with US. The baseline and 12-week follow-up assessments were conducted at a study unit, whereas other follow-ups were completed over the telephone. The primary abstinence outcome was the exhaled CO concentration level (≤6 ppm) verified 7-day point prevalence abstinence. At baseline, the participants’ mean (standard deviation) age was 21.06 (1.62) years. Most identified as daily smokers (57.9%, n = 158), consumed ≤10 cigarettes daily (89.4%, n = 244), and expressed low level of nicotine dependence as measured by Heaviness of Smoking Index score (86.1%, n = 235). Regarding intention-to-treat analyses, participants in the Quit with US intervention group achieved significantly greater smoking abstinence rate than those in the control group (58.4% (80/137) vs. 30.9% (42/136), risk ratio = 1.89, 95% confidence intervals = 1.42 to 2.52, p < 0.001). In conclusion, Quit with US integrated with pharmacists’ smoking cessation counseling significantly enhanced smoking abstinence rates among young adult light smokers consuming ≤ 10 cigarettes daily.

Re-examining phone counseling for smoking cessation: Does the evidence apply to low-SES smokers?

INTRODUCTION

A 2019 Cochrane review concluded telephone counseling is an effective intervention for smoking cessation. However, the review did not assess the role of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators on the effectiveness of telephone counseling.

METHODS

We reviewed 65 U.S. studies from the Cochrane review. We abstracted data on education, income, employment status and insurance status, and examined associations with targeted recruitment, intervention uptake, attrition, and cessation outcomes.

RESULTS

Except for education, SES indicators were seldom reported or used in analysis: 61 studies reported education, 24 reported insurance status, 23 reported employment status, and 17 reported income. Nine studies exclusively recruited low-SES samples. Thirteen studies examined associations between SES and smoking cessation. Among these, two reported lower education predicted greater cessation and two reported higher education predicted greater cessation. Other studies found higher income (n = 2) or employment type (n = 1) predicted cessation.

CONCLUSIONS

Evidence supporting telephone counseling for cessation is less clear when applied to low-SES smokers. Future research should directly assess intervention effectiveness in this priority population.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Given the evidence, it may be hard to justify future studies not focusing on low-SES populations. Innovative counseling solutions from providers helping low-income smokers quit should be evaluated to inform best practice.

The effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in rural and remote populations: Systematic review and meta-analyses

BACKGROUND

Rural and remote residents are more likely to smoke tobacco than those in major cities. However, they may experience unique systemic, provider, and individual barriers to accessing smoking cessation treatments, including distance and limited resources. Understanding the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in this population is important due to higher smoking-related disease burden and death compared to those in major cities.

METHODS

Medline, EMBASE, Scopus, PsychINFO, and Cochrane Library were searched until 19-02/2021. Inclusion criteria were randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, randomised trials, or cluster randomised trials investigating behavioural interventions and pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation in rural and remote populations compared with a control or another smoking cessation treatment; and published in English. Given there is no internationally-standardised rurality index, definitions of 'rural' and 'remote' used by authors of studies were applied to reflect their country. Exclusion criteria were studies of non-combustible smoking cessation; and studies with urban participants in the sample. Two reviewers independently screened records for eligibility, extracted data from studies utilising a modified Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care Group form, and rated methodological quality using the Quality Assessment Tool for Quantitative Studies.

RESULTS

Sixteen studies were included. Meta-analysis revealed a statistically significant treatment effect of individual face-to-face counselling on smoking cessation (RR 2.35, 95% CI 1.16-4.76, I²=0%) in rural and remote populations. There was no statistically significant treatment effect for nicotine replacement therapy (RR 2.97, 95% CI 0.84-10.53, I²=47%), telephone-counselling (RR 1.69, 95% CI 0.56-5.06, I²=62%), and community-based multiple-interventions (RR:1.57, 95% CI 0.89-2.78, I²=85%). Certainty of evidence was rated very low for each meta-analysis.

CONCLUSION

Despite limited resources in rural and remote settings, individual face-to-face counselling for smoking cessation appears promising. Given the limited number of studies, further research about the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in rural and remote populations is warranted.

Mixed methods evaluation of the ‘real-world’ implementation of group-based behavioral stop smoking support through Facebook

INTRODUCTION

While promising evidence from trials of social-media-based stop smoking support informs service-planning, there is a need for more prospective, observational studies of smoking cessation interventions to build ‘real-world’ evidence. Specifically, user experiences have been under-explored with qualitative methods to date. This mixed-method evaluation of a closed Facebook group-based behavioral stop smoking support program, which was conducted in Ireland in 2018, aimed to address these issues.

METHODS

Pre- and post-program surveys measured smoking abstinence (self-reported 7-day point prevalence), changes in smoking attitudes and behavior, and participant experiences. Engagement with Facebook was measured through counting ‘likes’ and comments, and was used to categorize groups as ‘more active’ and ‘less active’ over a 12-week period of support. Thematic content analysis of semi-structured participant interviews explored program experience in depth.

RESULTS

In total, 13 of 52 participants reported smoking abstinence post-program (25.0%, 95% CI: 14.0–39.0). Participant engagement with Facebook was variable and decreased over the program. Membership of a ‘more active’ group was associated with better reported participant experience (e.g. 90.9% agreeing ‘Facebook group helped me to quit or reduce smoking’, versus 33.3% in the ‘less active’ group, p<0.05). Qualitative analysis identified three over-arching themes: importance of social interactions; perception of health information; and appeal of online support.

CONCLUSIONS

Facebook can be used to deliver group-based behavioral stop smoking support in the real world. In Ireland, the one-month post-program abstinence outcomes achieved by other stop smoking services is approximately 50%, and while the outcomes for this service was lower (25%), it is still better than outcomes estimated for unassisted quitting. Engagement and peer-to-peer interactivity should be maximized to support positive participant experience.

Opportunistic Non-Governmental Organisation Delivery of a Virtual Stop Smoking Service in England during the COVID-19 Lockdown

Smoking cessation services have rapidly transformed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Changes include pivoting from face-to-face to telephone and video call support, remote provision of stop smoking aids and more flexible appointments. This study reports an evaluation of a charity-led smoking cessation service rapidly conceived and launched in this context. The pilot service accepted self-referrals in Yorkshire, England from 20 May 2020 to 5 June 2020. A dedicated smoking cessation practitioner provided 12 weeks of weekly behavioural support over telephone or video call. NRT and/or medication and/or e-cigarettes were posted to the participant bi-weekly for up to 12 weeks. Written and telephone evaluation questionnaires were administered post-programme. Of 79 participants, 57 (72.2%) self-reported a 4-week quit and 51 (64.6%) self-reported a 12-week quit. Those concurrently using e-cigarettes and NRT had an 84.1% 12-week quit rate. The majority of participants chose to use e-cigarettes and NRT in combination (55.7%). 39 participants completed an evaluation form, with at least 90% recording they were "very satisfied" with each service component. 27 participants completed a telephone interview, reporting a relationship with practitioners, as well as convenience, and organisational reputation as service strengths. Virtual services can be set up quickly and effectively in response to demand. Quit rates were highest for those concurrently using e-cigarettes and NRT. Service users value flexibility and convenience of remote support and posting of quit aids.

A smoking cessation induction intervention via virtual reality headset during a dental cleaning: protocol for a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Effective smoking cessation programs exist but are underutilized by smokers, especially by disadvantaged smokers. Cessation interventions in dental settings have been shown to be effective, but are not consistently delivered due to provider burden and lack of training, especially on how to counsel smokers who are not motivated to quit.

METHODS

This study is a 2-arm, phase III longitudinal randomized controlled efficacy trial to motivate utilization of evidenced based treatments (EBTs) for smoking cessation (e.g., state quitline, clinic-based counseling, the National Cancer Institute's text message program, and pharmacotherapy). Patients attending an urban dental clinic (n = 376) will be randomized to an intervention group (INT; smoking cessation induction video delivered via VR headset during their teeth cleaning, brochure about EBTs, and a 4-week text message program) or control group (CTRL; relaxation video delivered via VR headset during teeth cleaning, the same brochure as INT, and assessment-only text messages). Assessments will occur at baseline, immediately after the clinic appointment, one-month post-appointment and 3-and 6 months later. We hypothesize INT will be more likely to contact EBTs vs CTRL and have greater utilization rates of EBTs. Secondary objectives are to test the efficacy of INT on point-prevalence smoking abstinence, quit smoking attempts, and motivation to quit vs. CTRL.

DISCUSSION

Incorporating smoking cessation into a dental clinic visit and targeting all smokers, regardless of motivation to quit, provides proactive reach to cigarette smokers who otherwise may not seek treatment for smoking.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

NCT04524533 Registered August 24, 2020.

Electronic Health Record-Embedded, Behavioral Science-Informed System for Smoking Cessation for the Parents of Pediatric Patients

BACKGROUND

 Helping parents quit smoking is a public health priority. However, parents are rarely, if ever, offered tobacco use treatment through pediatric settings. Clinical decision support (CDS) systems developed for the workflows of pediatric primary care may support consistent screening, treatment, and referral.

OBJECTIVES

 This study aimed to develop a CDS system by using human-centered design (HCD) that identifies parents who smoke, provides motivational messages to quit smoking (informed by behavioral science), and supports delivery of evidence-based tobacco treatment.

METHODS

 Our multidisciplinary team applied a rigorous HCD process involving analysis of the work environment, user involvement in formative design, iterative improvements, and evaluation of the system's use in context with the following three cohorts: (1) parents who smoke, (2) pediatric clinicians, and (3) clinic staff. Participants from each cohort were presented with scenario-based, high-fidelity mockups of system components and then provided input related to their role in using the CDS system.

RESULTS

 We engaged 70 representative participants including 30 parents, 30 clinicians, and 10 clinic staff. A key theme of the design review sessions across all cohorts was the need to automate functions of the system. Parents emphasized a system that presented information in a simple way, highlighted benefits of quitting smoking, and allowed direct connection to treatment. Pediatric clinicians emphasized automating tobacco treatment. Clinical staff emphasized screening for parent smoking via several modalities prior to the patient's visit. Once the system was developed, most parents (80%) reported that it was easy to use, and the majority of pediatricians reported that they would use the system (97%) and were satisfied with it (97%).

CONCLUSION

 A CDS system to support parental tobacco cessation in pediatric primary care, developed through an HCD process, proved easy to use and acceptable to parents, clinicians, and office staff. This preliminary work justifies evaluating the impact of the system on helping parents quit smoking.

Isolation, marginalisation and disempowerment - understanding how interactions with health providers can influence smoking cessation in pregnancy

Background

Maternal smoking during pregnancy can lead to serious adverse health outcomes for both women and their infants. While smoking in pregnancy has declined over time, it remains consistently higher in women with lower socioeconomic circumstances. Furthermore, fewer women in this group will successfully quit during pregnancy.

Aim

This study explores the barriers to smoking cessation experienced by socially disadvantaged pregnant women and investigates how interactions with health providers can influence their smoking cessation journey.

Methods

Women (either pregnant or birthed in the previous 10 years, who smoked or quit smoking in pregnancy) were recruited from a metropolitan public hospital antenatal clinic in South Australia and community organisations in surrounding suburbs. Seventeen women participated in qualitative semi-structured small focus groups or interviews. The focus groups and interviews were recorded, transcribed and thematically analysed.

Findings

Four interconnected themes were identified: 1) smoking embedded in women’s challenging lives and pregnancies, 2) cyclic isolation and marginalisation, 3) feeling disempowered, and 4) autonomy and self-determination. Themes 3 and 4 are characterised as being two sides of a single coin in that they coexist simultaneously and are inseparable. A key finding is a strong unanimous desire for smoking cessation in pregnancy but women felt they did not have the necessary support from health providers or confidence and self-efficacy to be successful.

Conclusion

Women would like improvements to antenatal care that increase health practitioners’ understanding of the social and contextual healthcare barriers faced by women who smoke in pregnancy. They seek improved interventions from health providers to make informed choices about smoking cessation and would like women-centred care. Women feel that with greater support, more options for cessation strategies and consistency and encouragement from health providers they could be more successful at antenatal smoking cessation. If such changes were made, then South Australian practice could align more with best practice international guidelines for addressing smoking cessation in pregnancy, and potentially improve outcomes for women and their children.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12884-022-04720-0.

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

BACKGROUND

Limited evidence is available about the combination of multiple smoking cessation modalities in low- and middle-income countries. The study aimed to assess the feasibility of a smoking cessation intervention that integrates follow-up counselling phone calls and scheduled text messages with brief advice from physicians in Vietnam.

METHODS

This was a single-arm intervention study. Smokers were referred to the study Quitline after brief advice by physicians at three rural district hospitals in Hanoi, Vietnam. Following referral, participants received nine counselling phone calls in 12 months and a scheduled text message service that lasted for three months. Participants who reported smoking cessation for at least 30 days at the 12-month follow-up were invited for a urinary cotinine test to confirm cessation.

RESULTS

The Quitline centre had 431 referrals from participating hospitals. Among them, 221 (51.3%) were enrolled. After the baseline phone call, 141 (63.8%) participated in all 4 follow-up calls within the first month and 117 (52.9%) participated in all phone calls in 12 months. The median number of successful phone calls was 8 (interquartile range: 6 - 8). At the end of the study, 90 (40.7%) self-reported abstinence from smoking over the previous 30 days. Among them, 22 (24.4%) submitted a sample for cotinine test, of which 13 (59.1% of those tested) returned a negative result. The proportion of biochemically-verified quitters was 5.9%.

CONCLUSIONS

The integration of brief advice and referral from healthcare facilities, Quitline counselling phone calls, and scheduled text messaging was feasible in rural health facilities in northern Vietnam.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ACTRN12619000554167 .

Text messaging interventions to support smoking cessation among hospitalized patients in Brazil: a randomized comparative effectiveness clinical trial

Objective

A clinical trial carried out in patients hospitalized for clinical and surgical conditions. This study evaluated the effectiveness of text messaging interventions (TM) versus telephone counseling (TC) to promote smoking cessation among hospitalized smokers in a middle-income country. Seven-day abstinence was measured during follow-up phone calls one month after discharge. The comparative cost of the two interventions considered the cost of calls, time spent on phone calls and sending SMS and cost of the professional involved in the approaches.

Results

Past 7-day tobacco abstinence was not statistically different between groups (30.5% in TM group and 26% in TC, p = 0.318). Costs were significantly lower in the TM group (U$9.28 × U$19.45- p < 0,001). Continuous abstinence was reported by 26% of TM participants and 24.5% of TC participants (p = 0.730). In the 3-month follow-up, 7-day abstinence was 23% in the TMI and 27% in the TC (p = 0.356) group. Continuous abstinence was reported by 20% of TM participants and 24% of TC participants (p = 0.334).

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT03237949 Registred on: 30th May 2017.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13104-022-06002-6.

Analysis of Demographic Characteristics of Users of a Free Tobacco Cessation Smartphone App: Observational Study

Background

Tobacco use continues to be the leading preventable cause of death, disease, and disability in the United States. Since 2000, Washington state has offered free tobacco “quitline” services to help its residents stop using tobacco. In 2015, the state began offering free access to a tobacco cessation smartphone app to absorb excess quitline demand. Since most publicly funded tobacco cessation programs are designed to provide access to populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco use, it is important to consider who these public health interventions reach.

Objective

The aim of this study is to understand who used a free cessation app and the extent to which users represented populations disproportionately impacted by tobacco use.

Methods

This is an observational study of 1280 adult Washington state residents who registered for and activated the cessation app. Demographic data were collected as part of the sign-up process, examined using standard descriptive measures, and assessed against state-level surveillance data for representativeness.

Results

Participants were primarily non-Hispanic White (978/1218, 80.3%), identified as female (780/1236, 63.1%), were between ages 25-54 years (903/1186, 76.1%), had at least some college education (836/1222, 68.4%), and reported a household income under US $50,000 (742/1055, 70.3%). Fewer respondents were from rural counties (359/1220, 29.4%); identified as lesbian, gay, bisexual, pansexual, queer, questioning, or asexual (LGBQA; 153/1222, 12.5%); were uninsured (147/1206, 12.2%); or were currently pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding (42/624, 6.7%). However, relative to available state data for tobacco users, there was high representation of women, 35- to 54-year-olds, college graduates, and LGBQA individuals, as well as individuals with low household income, poor mental health, Medicaid insurance, and those residing in rural counties.

Conclusions

A diverse population of tobacco users will use a free cessation app, including some demographic groups disproportionately impacted by tobacco use. With high reach and high efficacy, it is possible to address health disparities associated with tobacco use and dependence treatment among certain underserved and at-risk groups.

Feasibility and acceptability of testing a menstrual-cycle timed smoking cessation intervention for women of reproductive age (Project Phase): Results of a pilot randomized control trial

INTRODUCTION

Menstrual phase influences cigarette smoking-related outcomes. Telephone-based cessation programs (e.g., quitlines) may incorporate the role of the menstrual cycle in an effort to tailor interventions for women.

PURPOSE

The goal of this preliminary randomized clinical trial was to examine the feasibility and acceptability of timing quit date to menstrual phase in women in a quitline setting.

METHODS

We recruited treatment-seeking women with regular menstrual cycles between the ages of 18-40 years. Participants were randomized to the follicular phase (FP; quit date set 6-8 days post onset of menses) or standard of care (SC; no menstrual timing of quit date). All participants received four weeks of nicotine replacement therapy transdermal patch concurrent with six weeks of telephone-based counseling. We explored self-reported and biochemically-verified seven-day point prevalence abstinence at end-of-treatment and three-month follow-up.

RESULTS

Participants (n = 119; FP: n = 58, SC: n = 61) were, on average, 33.4 years old and smoked 13.6 cigarettes/day. The median number of counseling sessions completed was 6 out of 6 available, and 66% of participants completed the intervention. Over 90% of participants reported they would recommend this study to friends/family. Cessation rates did not significantly vary by randomization.

CONCLUSIONS

Results of this preliminary trial indicate that timing quit date to FP is an acceptable and feasible approach to address smoking cessation in women of reproductive age. While we observed similar smoking cessation rates between groups, this preliminary study was not fully powered to determine efficacy. Therefore, the feasibility and acceptability results indicate that a fully-powered efficacy trial is warranted.

Effectiveness of referral to a population-level telephone coaching service for improving health risk behaviours in people with a mental health condition: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

People with a mental health condition have a shorter life expectancy than the general population. This is largely attributable to higher rates of chronic disease and a higher prevalence of modifiable health risk behaviours including tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and physical inactivity. Telephone support services offer a viable option to provide support to reduce these health risk behaviours at a population-level; however, whilst there is some research pertaining to Quitlines, there is limited other research investigating whether telephone services may offer effective support for people with a mental health condition. This protocol describes a randomised controlled trial that aims to evaluate the referral of people with a mental health condition to a population-level telephone coaching service to increase physical activity, healthy eating, or weight management, and increase attempts to do so.

METHODS

A parallel-group randomised controlled trial will be conducted recruiting participants with a mental health condition through community mental health services and advertisement on social media. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive either a health information pack only (control) or a health information pack and a proactive referral to a free, government-funded telephone coaching service, the NSW Get Healthy Coaching and Information Service® (intervention), which offers up to 13 telephone coaching calls with a University Qualified Health Coach to assist with client-identified goals relating to physical activity, healthy eating, weight management, or alcohol reduction. Data will be collected via telephone surveys at baseline and 6 months post-recruitment. Primary outcomes are as follows: (1) minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week, (2) serves of fruit consumed per day, (3) serves of vegetables consumed per day, and (4) a composite measure assessing attempts to change at least one health risk behaviour (any attempts to change physical activity, fruit consumption, vegetable consumption, or other parts of nutrition). Secondary outcomes include weight and body mass index.

DISCUSSION

This study is the first to evaluate the effectiveness of referral to a population-level telephone support service for reducing health risk behaviours relating to physical activity, healthy eating, and weight in people with a mental health condition. Results will inform future policy and practice regarding the delivery of telephone-based behaviour change coaching services and the management of physical health for this population to reduce health inequity and the burden of chronic disease.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12620000351910 . Retrospectively registered on 12 March 2020.