Smoking cessation programs should be tailored to age
A recent study suggests that the motivations and barriers to quit smoking vary greatly between younger and older smokers. Researchers at the Center for Tobacco Control, North Shore, evaluated the motives for and barriers to quitting of 1,909 smokers under the age of 65 and 143 smokers over the age of 65. They found that older smokers are more likely to quit due to pressure from a physician or the stress that accompanies a serious health problem. Conversely, younger smokers were more likely to quit due to the cost of tobacco products and the odor of cigarette smoke. To read more about the study, which was recently presented at CHEST 2007, click here.

Spouses often mirror each other’s health habits
A recent study indicates that if one spouse improves a health-related behavior, the other spouse is likely to change that behavior as well. Researchers at the Yale University School of Public Health analyzed longitudinal data from 6,072 individuals who participated in the Health and Retirement Study. They found that spouses were most likely to change their health habits regarding smoking and drinking, and for other behaviors that are often sparked by external cues.  Smokers were five times more likely to quit the habit if their spouse quits, a finding that researchers say underscores the need to consider health habits in the context of the family. Click here to read more about the study, recently published in Health Services Research.

Nicotine replacement and behavioral therapy for smoking cessation in pregnancy
A recent study analyzed whether providing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in addition to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pregnant smokers facilitates smoking cessation. Researchers conducted a randomized trial of CBT only versus CBT and NRT and collected data from 2003 through 2005. Primary results indicate that women receiving both CBT and NRT were nearly three times as likely to quit smoking at seven weeks post-randomization and 38 weeks gestation, but not at 3 months after giving birth. However, recruitment for the study was stopped early due to a higher rate of negative birth outcomes in the CBT plus NRT group. Click here to view the abstract of the study, which was published in the October issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Healthcare provider smoking cessation advice among US worker groups
A recent study examined smoking prevalence and reported conversations with a primary healthcare provider about smoking cessation among a variety of currently employed U.S. worker groups. Researchers examined data from the 1997 to 2003 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) to determine smoking rates by occupation and data from the 2000 NHIS Cancer Control Module to determine the prevalence of smoking cessation advice by a primary healthcare provider. They found that 53% of workers had been advised to quit smoking, although workers with high risk of developing occupational lung disease had comparatively fewer discussions with healthcare providers. Click here to view the study abstract, which was published in the October 2007 issue of Tobacco Control.

Rat study gets at root of nicotine addiction
A recent study has identified a brain system involved in nicotine dependence and the symptoms associated with nicotine withdrawal. Researchers at the Scripps Research Institute studied the effects of nicotine on the brain’s stress mechanism, which involves the extrahypothalamic corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF), in rats. They found that chronic nicotine use recruits this system and encourages further nicotine use by increasing anxiety and cravings when nicotine is absent. Whether the system works similarly in humans is still unknown, but the researchers are optimistic that the findings will help them better understand nicotine dependence in humans.  Click here to read more about the research or click here to access the original report. The study was recently published in an online issue of the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Washington Tobacco Quit Line approaching 100,000th call
The Washington Tobacco Quit Line has received nearly 100,000 calls since it began seven years ago.  The quit line is funded by the Washington State Department of Health and is a critical component of the state’s cessation efforts.  Since 2000, the state’s adult smoking rate has declined by 24 percent, far outpacing the national rate of decline. The quit line is open to all Washington residents and also offers tailored services for pregnant women who smoke.  This year, the state launched the “Quit for You, Quit for Two” campaign that encourages pregnant women to call the quit line for help and supports healthcare workers in quit interventions. For more information, contact Julie Thompson at 360-236-3722.

BMJ Group, United Health Foundation publish smoking cessation guidelines
BMJ Group (publisher of British Medical Journal) and United Health Foundation are distributing practical, evidence-based guideline to promote smoking cessation among U.S. adults. Their reported, entitled “Putting Medicine into Practice: Smoking Cessation,” reviews the outcomes of existing cessation interventions and provides a toolkit to help practitioners translate this evidence into practice. Some of the report findings include that most smokers need encouragement and support in addition to personal motivation, that smoking should be conceptualized as a chronic disease, that medications can successfully treat addiction, that behavioral intervention must directly address the habit, and that a systems approach at the primary care level can help facilitate smoking cessation. Click here to read more.

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