Research

Nicotine lozenges for the treatment of smokeless tobacco use
New research reveals the effectiveness of nicotine lozenges for the cessation of smokeless tobacco, treating the withdrawal symptoms and cravings associated with tobacco abstinence in smokeless tobacco users. This phase II clinical trial administered nicotine lozenges for twelve weeks to 30 smokeless tobacco users. No significant increases in withdrawal symptoms were observed when compared with baseline symptoms, however cravings decreased significantly. The authors recommended the use of phase III clinical trains to further investigate the efficacy of the lozenges. Click here to read the study abstract published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.

NIDA study identifies genes that might help some people abstain from smoking
Scientists of the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) have released new research, which for the first time identified genes that might increase a person’s ability to abstain from smoking. The study brings research a step closer to being able to tailor individualized drug therapy for addiction based on a person’s genetic makeup. Scientists performed a genome-wide analysis of the DNA on nicotine dependent individuals who were able to quit smoking and those who were unable. Two hundred and twenty one genes were found that distinguished successful quitters from those who were unsuccessful. Click here to read more.

Antismoking television advertising and socioeconomic variations in calls to Quitline
A study, published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health, examined the number of calls to the Quitline in Victoria, Australia between January 2001 and March 2004. The study revealed an association between socioeconomic status (SES), derived from the caller’s postcode, and Quitline call rates. Specifically the adjusted call rate was 57% higher in the highest SES quintile than in the lowest SES quintile. Furthermore, the study showed that the effect of the presence or increasing levels of Target Audience Rating Points (a measure of television advertising weight) for anti-tobacco advertising broadcasting, on call rates did not vary across SES categories. Steps beyond advertising need to be taken to encourage disadvantaged groups to call the Quitline. Click here for the study abstract.

Dairy, fruits and veggies may help smokers quit
New research from Duke University reports findings that milk, water, fruits and vegetables worsen the taste of cigarettes, while consuming alcohol, coffee and meat enhance their taste. Such findings could lead to a “Quit Smoking Diet” or the development of a gum or lozenge that makes cigarettes less palatable. The study, published in the April 2007 issues of the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research, is the first study to explore the taste-altering effects of food and beverages on cigarette palatability. Click here for the press release.

Social workers can help older smokers
New research reveals the important role that social workers can have in the battle against smoking. In the study, 177 social workers, a line of individuals who are already commonly in contact with elderly people, participated in a nine-hour training on educating the elderly about the health effects of smoking and ways to quit. Preliminary findings showed an increase in the social workers’ knowledge about smoking and smoking cessation. Additionally findings indicate an increase in frequency of participants’ asking their clients about their smoking habits and providing quit assistance. The next phase of the project will look at whether the social workers’ efforts were successful in getting their clients to quit. The study was published in the journal Chest. Click here for the press release.

Post-intervention effect of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking reduction: A randomized trial with 5 year follow up
New research reveals that the initial effect of the treatment on smoking reduction using nicotine replacement therapy was not maintained after 5 years. The study randomly assigned heavy smokers with no intention to quit to a 6-month treatment of nicotine replacement therapy, placebo, or no intervention. After 5 years, cigarette consumption and smoking cessation rates were similar in all groups. However, reducing cigarette consumption was associated with a higher chance of subsequently quitting smoking. Click here to read the study abstract, published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology.

Projects

Free nicotine patches offered to quitters
Governor Matt Blunt announced that the Missouri Tobacco Quitline is offering a free supply of nicotine patches or gum to qualifying Missourians who want to quit smoking. The offer will be valid while supplies last to residents who are uninsured or receive Medicaid. Interested recipients must enroll through the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services’ Tobacco Quitline by calling 1-800-QUIT-NOW. Funding for the project is being provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Click here for the press release.

New York City Heath Department offering nicotine replacement to smokers who call 311 before May 15th
The New York City Health Department unveiled a two-pronged effort to help smokers quit. Through May 15, the Health Department will offer nicotine replacement therapy, including gum and patches, at no cost to smokers who request it through the 311 call-in system. In addition, the Health Department is launching a multimedia advertising campaign featuring Ronaldo Martinez, a former smoker who lost his voice to throat cancer at age 39. Click here to read the press release and learn more about the campaign.

Chinese anti-smoking campaign gets underway
The anti-smoking campaign, “Toward a Smoke-free China,” has been launched in order to get people to quit smoking. The two-year campaign was lunched in Beijing on Friday with a fund of $125 million donated by New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg. The project aims to fight tobacco use in China by creating smokefree environments and boosting anti-smoking education. Click here to read more.

Eleven thousand smokers will receive free nicotine replacement therapy
The Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) in Ontario has given out free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to 11,000 participants in the Smoking Treatment for Ontario Patients (STOP) Study. The first study of its kind in Canada, the STOP Study monitors the effectiveness of distributing free NRT in the quitting process. The mass distribution model has achieved a 12 percent quit rate among the first cohort of smokers in January 2006. Click here to read more.

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