Research

Efficacy of motivational interviewing for smoking cessation: a systematic review and meta-analysis
A meta-analysis of smoking cessation studies shows that individuals given treatments incorporating motivational interviewing have 45% greater odds of maintaining tobacco abstinence at follow up than those under a control condition. The researchers analyzed 31 smoking cessation research trials, comprised of different types of samples (adolescents, adults, adults with chronic illness, pregnant/postpartum women). The odds of smoking abstinence differed for each of the specific subgroups. Compared to the control groups, the odds of smoking abstinence were 2.29 times greater among adolescents receiving motivational interviewing, while the odds were 1.44 for adults and 1.34 for adults with chronic illness. The results indicate that incorporating motivational interviewing into smoking cessation programs may be an effective way to help smokers quit, especially adolescent smokers. Click here to access the full article from the journal Tobacco Control.

Change your thinking to kick that cigarette habit
A study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences suggests that focusing on the long-term consequences of smoking instead of the short-term benefits may help control cravings. Researchers performed brain scans on 21 smokers while asking them to first think about the immediate rewards associated with smoking, and then to think about the long-term consequences. For comparison, the same procedure was followed with fatty foods. In both cases, decreases in cravings were associated with activity in regions of the brain associated with regulating emotion (prefrontal cortex) and decreased activity in regions associated with craving (ventral striatum). The results give insight into the mechanisms that control cravings and provide a foundation for developing treatments for substance abuse treatment. Click here to read more or click here to read the study abstract.

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Reports

podcast: Quitting for baby's sake
A recent HHS HealthBeat podcast provided information on smoking cessation during pregnancy. The podcast cited national data showing that smoking is associated with up to 19% of cases of term low birth weight and up to 34% of cases of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) in the U.S. Click here to listen to the podcast, “Quitting for baby’s sake.” HHS HealthBeat is a production of the US Department of Health and Human Services that provides health promotion and disease prevention tips five days a week in audio and text formats.

Helping Arkansas quit tobacco (AR)
A new report evaluating the Arkansas Tobacco Quitline (ATQ) shows that close to 17,000 tobacco users were served between July 1, 2009 and June 30, 2010. Over half (53%) of those calling the ATQ reported they were heavy users who consumed tobacco within five minutes of waking up. The ATQ exceeded the national standard for cessation which is that 30% of quitline callers should be tobacco-free after seven months. The evaluation report shows that after seven months, 36% of callers were tobacco-free. Click here to learn more about the Arkansas Tobacco Quitline. For the full quitline evaluation report or questions, contact Miriam Karanja, Section Chief for Media and Health Communications with the Arkansas Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program at Miriam.Karanja@arkansas.gov or 501-661-2362.

Quitting tobacco: Michigan offers free nicotine replacement products (MI)
The Michigan Department of Community Health (MDCH) has announced that it will be offering free nicotine replacement products through the Michigan Tobacco Quitline. Callers who enroll in cessation services through the quitline will work with a personal cessation coach, and will then be eligible to receive a two-week supply of nicotine patches, gum, or lozenges. While MDCH normally provides nicotine replacement therapy to uninsured callers, this program is open to any caller, regardless of income or insurance status. The products are available on a first-come, first-served basis through September 30. Click here to read more, or click here to visit the Michigan Tobacco Control Program website.

Vermont smokers play end game (VT)
In a joint effort with Hoozinga Game Media, the Vermont Department of Health has developed a new online game designed to help smokers quit. The free downloadable game, called Khemia, is three to five minutes long and combines target practice play with traditional reinforcement techniques to help distract smokers from cigarette cravings. The main audience for the game is adults 25-34 who are trying to quit on their own. Information about other services offered by the Vermont Quit Network, such as free nicotine replacement therapy and support groups, is also available on the website. Click here to read more, or click here to download Khemia.

Group takes on tobacco at rodeo (WY)
Wyoming’s Quit Tobacco Program has reported a successful sponsorship of the Cheyenne Frontier Days rodeo. The Wyoming Department of Health took over sponsorship of the event after U.S. Smokeless Tobacco pulled out due to new federal regulations banning tobacco industry sponsorship of sporting events. About $45,000 in tobacco settlement and federal grant money was used to prepare a booth, a parade float, and advertising banners designed to promote the state tobacco cessation program. The booth allows tobacco users to learn more about the Quit Tobacco Program and sign up to receive information on cessation counseling, reduced-cost medications, and other program aspects. While Wyoming’s smoking prevalence is unremarkable, the state has a much higher rate of smokeless tobacco use than the national average. Click here to read more.

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International

More smokers using NHS help (England)
A new report from England’s National Health Service (NHS) Information Centre shows that 11% more people have successfully quit smoking using NHS programs this year than in 2008-2009. Health officials believe the 2007 smokefree law encouraged people to quit, as record numbers of people used NHS cessation services in the years following the implementation of the law. About 65% of those trying to quit smoking used nicotine replacement therapy, with 47% of them reporting abstinence at four-week follow up. Nearly 25% used varenicline (Chantix) treatment, which had a 60% success rate at four-week follow up. Of those who did not use any kind of smoking cessation drug, 49% abstained from smoking after four weeks. Click here to read more.

Ministry of Health to launch nationwide anti-smoking campaign during Ramadan (Saudi Arabia)
Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Health has begun a nationwide antismoking campaign coinciding with Ramadan, the Muslim holy month during which observers cannot eat, drink, or smoke from sunup to sundown. Health officials say that Ramadan provides a great opportunity for smokers to quit, and the campaign will emphasize that if smokers can abstain during the day, they should be able to do so at night too. During Ramadan, anti-tobacco messages will be communicated via television and radio. Leaflets, brochures, and posters providing information about how to quit smoking will be distributed and posted throughout the country. Additionally, a website was launched to provide smokers with tips on how to quit, and about fifty smoking cessation clinics nationwide will remain open from 9pm to 3am during Ramadan. Click here to read more.

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