Research

Telephone ‘quitlines’ may help dental patients stop smoking
In a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, researchers were interested in determining whether having dentists refer their smoking patients to a quitline, a considerably faster intervention than counseling, would facilitate cessation at a comparable rate. Eight dental practices in Minnesota were randomly assigned to provide either brief cessation counseling or brief counseling plus a quitline referral for self-reported smokers. Sixty smoking patients were referred to the quitline, while 22 smoking patients received only the cessation counseling. After six months, 25 percent of quitline patients and 27.3 percent of counseling only patients had stopped using tobacco products. Click here to read more about the pilot study, which was published in the May issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association.

Genes linked to failed smoking cessation attempts identified
For the first time scientists have isolated genes associated with addiction.  These genes are thought to play a role in some smokers’ inability to quit.  As part of the Human Genome Project, 221 genes that differ between successful and unsuccessful quitters have been identified, and scientists have discovered the function of 187 of these. Their ultimate goal is to be able to test a smoker’s genetic make-up to identify whether specialized treatment is necessary. Researchers think this capability would increase the cessation quit rate by properly identifying the intensity of treatment needed for different smokers. Click here to read more about the research published in BioMed Central Genetics.

Published research validates Washington’s anti-smoking efforts
Washington State’s success in reducing smoking was featured this month in Preventing Chronic Disease, a peer-reviewed CDC publication.  The article, “Effective Tobacco Control in Washington State: A Smart Investment for Healthy Futures,” compared trends in adult and youth smoking for Washington and the rest of the country.  It also compared the components of Washington’s program to the framework for tobacco control as recommended by CDC.  The research findings show that an adequate level of sustained funding is needed to achieve continued reductions in tobacco use. To access the article, click here. For more information, contact Mike Boysun at 360-236-3671 or mike.boysun@doh.wa.gov.

Factors associated with successful smoking cessation – United States, 2000
Using data from the 2000 National Health Interview Study, researchers have identified a variety of characteristics associated with successful smoking cessation attempts. Chief among these are a ban on smoking at home. Additionally, those with successful quit attempts were less likely to have switched to a “light” cigarette brand for health reasons, were more likely to be married or living with a partner and be at least 35 years old, and were more likely to be college graduates. Click here to read more about the study published in the American Journal of Public Health.

Results from the 2005 British Columbia Smoking Cessation Mass Media Campaign
The objective of this study was to evaluate the impact of the 2005 British Columbia Ministry of Health Smoking Cessation Mass Media Campaign on short-term smoking behavior. National cross-sectional data were used with a quasi-experimental approach to test the impact of the campaign. Primary results indicate that prevalence and average number of cigarettes smoked per day increased for the rest of Canada, but not for British Columbia. They also indicate that British Columbia smokers in lower risk groups reduced their average daily consumption of cigarettes beyond the 1999-2004 trend, whereas smokers in the rest of Canada did not.  The overall poorer performance of high-risk groups is attributed to high exposure to cigarette smoking, which reduces a smoker's chances of successful cessation. Results suggest that for mass media campaigns to be more effective with high-risk groups, they need to be combined with other incentives, and that more prolonged interventions should be considered. To view the complete abstract of the study published in the Journal of Public Health Management & Practice, click here.

Maryland: Smokers crush out habit with hotline help
Since July of 2006, the Maryland quit line has received 8,106 calls. The quit line is part of a statewide initiative that facilitates smoking cessation by providing over-the-phone counseling services. In return for agreeing to participate in counseling, Baltimore residents receive free nicotine patches and gum. The quit line is paid for by state’s restitution fund, which comes from Master Settlement Agreement (MSA) payments. Quit line counselors talk smokers through the quitting process, determine if smokers are ready to set a quit date, and help callers identify smoking triggers. The Maryland Health Department’s Center for Health Promotion intends to evaluate the quit line’s success rate in the coming months. Click here to read more.

United Arab Emirates: Abu Dhabi unveils forceful anti-smoking campaign
The Abu Dhabi Health Authority announced the launch of a new anti-smoking campaign, which will run initially during the first two weeks of June. The campaign will feature the detrimental health effects associated with smoking, cessation tips, and will encourage the establishment of 100% smokefree indoor air policies. Advertisements will run in print, on the radio and over the internet. To read more, click here.

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Projects

Anti-tobacco campaigns escalating in the black community
An American Legacy Foundation-funded project to address smoking in the African American community is gearing up to enter phase two of operations. For the past three years, the Legacy grant has supported grass roots efforts in low-income neighborhoods by providing funding to community organizations. The next phase will feature outreach campaigns, such as “eX,” which is a movie theater ad campaign. Funding will also be devoted to rehabilitation programs, minimizing secondhand smoke in the home and streamlining cessation campaigns with other related health initiatives. To read more, click here.

Ontario smokers to get access to free nicotine gum, patches
In addition to mandatory smoking cessation counseling services, Ontario residents will have access to free nicotine replacement patches and gum for six months. This pilot initiative comes one year after the province implemented the Ontario smoke-free act. If successful, it will be expanded from the current 64 health centers to a permanent program. Click here to read more about the initiative.

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Registered Nurses Association of Ontario announces Integrating Smoking Cessation into Daily Nursing Practice website
The Registered Nurses Association of Ontario has launched a new website to make it easier for nurses across the province to talk to patients about smoking cessation. The website provides cessation guidelines and provides nurses with the necessary information to advise, counsel and coach smokers. Click here to access the website.

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