Research

Nicotine gum before quitting smoking not helpful
A study was conducted with 314 adults who smoked at least 15 cigarettes per day to compare the effectiveness of using nicotine gum to quit smoking gradually, versus quitting “cold turkey.” About half of the study participants were assigned to use nicotine gum four weeks prior to the target quit date while halving their smoking rate by the quit date, and were instructed to continue the nicotine gum for another eight weeks after quitting. The other half were given an eight-week supply of nicotine gum on their quit date and were told to completely stop smoking. Both groups received cessation counseling. The results indicate that gradual reduction of smoking while on the gum did not yield significantly different results than quitting smoking abruptly. These results are similar to previous findings that the use of nicotine gum before quitting did not significantly improve cessation rates. Read more here. Click here to read the abstract of the study, which was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

Can tobacco industry research help ‘social’ smokers quit?
In an effort to find information that may help social smokers quit, researchers reviewed ten million internal tobacco industry documents from over 80 years that were released as part of the Master Settlement Agreement. They found that tobacco companies identified social smokers as a “large, stable part of the tobacco market” long before public health researchers realized the importance of this group. Through their research, cigarette manufacturers learned that social smokers feel they are “in control” because they are able to restrict their smoking habits. The findings from this study suggest that while social smokers may not perceive themselves to be at risk for tobacco-related health problems, health messages about the effects of secondhand smoke may appeal to social smokers’ concerns for others’ health. Currently, little treatment advice is available for clinicians treating non-daily smokers. The study will be in the August issue of the American Journal of Preventative Medicine. Read more here, or download the PDF of the research article here.

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Reports

Tobacco talk: Helping veterans kick the habit (MA)
Veterans residing in Massachusetts smoke at a 33% higher rate than other adults the same age. Many veterans began smoking during their time in the service, and are now suffering from high rates of cancer, heart disease, respiratory disease and other illnesses caused by cancer. The state Departments of Public Health and of Veterans Services are offering a free four-week supply of nicotine patches and telephone support to help veterans quit smoking. The program lasts until June 30, and is only available to veterans who are Massachusetts residents. Click here to read more.

Smoking reported down 26% among people with Mass. subsidized health insurance program (MA)
In 2006, the Executive Office of Health and Human Services in Massachusetts established a tobacco cessation benefit for low-income residents enrolled in the state's Medicaid program, MassHealth. Since then, there has been a 26% decrease in smoking among MassHealth members. The tobacco cessation benefit allows low-income smokers access to affordable cessation medications, as well as the support necessary for a successful quit attempt. Read more here.

State launching new anti-smoking campaign (MO)
The Missouri Foundation for Health has brought a national campaign, “Become an Ex,” to Missouri in an effort to promote the state quitline and help fight the state’s high smoking rate. The campaign was developed by the American Legacy Foundation and health experts at the Mayo Clinic. The program offers resources to smokers through a website and a quitline. These resources help smokers to prepare for their quit attempt, practice overcoming smoking triggers, learn about addiction and helpful medications, and ask for support from family and friends. Read more here.

Humana to new hires: Quit smoking (OH)
Humana of Ohio is requiring new employees who use tobacco to complete a cessation program within a month of being hired. Starting July 1, the company plans on giving new employees a questionnaire on tobacco use. If the new workers use tobacco, they will be given 31 days to enroll in a program called Breathe, which assists tobacco users in quitting. The program is offered to all employees, but is only mandatory for new employees. The company seeks to commit to wellness programs for their employees while cutting costs and improving productivity. Click here for a summary of the cessation program, or click here to read more.

PA Department of Health launches Spanish-language smoking cessation resource web site (PA)
Recognizing that language barriers may discourage Spanish-speaking residents from seeking cessation assistance, Pennsylvania’s Department of Health has launched a Spanish version of the state’s popular smoking cessation site, DeterminedToQuit.com. Tobacco companies are targeting Latinos, but through the Spanish-language EstoyDecidido.com website, the health department is providing cessation support for Latino residents and critical information on tobacco-related health risks. Click here to read more.

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International

UA researchers look to stem the growth of tobacco use worldwide (India & Indonesia)
A group of researchers from the University of Arizona has been working on Project Quit Tobacco International, which provides culturally appropriate tobacco use prevention and cessation messages in India and Indonesia in order to boost the effectiveness of anti-tobacco policy changes. The main purpose of their work is to promote tobacco cessation by integrating tobacco use as a health concern into the curriculum in medical schools and clinics. The project is also developing “culturally sensitive counseling” designed to appeal to particular cultural ideas about smoking. In addition, the project aims to make tobacco use a women’s issue; women are potential marketing targets, but also can collectively become advocates for establishing tobacco-free norms. Read more here.

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