Research

Common anxiety disorders make it tougher to quit cigarettes
A new study indicates that smokers that have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders are less likely to successfully quit smoking. In a randomized placebo-controlled smoking cessation study at the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention, 1,504 current smokers were interviewed about symptoms that would have led to at least one diagnosis of anxiety in their lifetime. Smokers with a history of anxiety disorders had lower abstinence rates at 8 weeks and 6 months post-quit, compared to those without a history of anxiety. Those with a history of anxiety were also more likely to report higher levels of nicotine dependence and withdrawal symptoms in anticipation of quitting. While more research is needed to identify approaches to increase quit rates among patients with anxiety, the lead author recommends that healthcare providers assess anxiety disorder status when counseling patients about quitting smoking. Read more here, or click here to read the abstract of the article, which was published in Addiction.

Evaluating the acute effects of oral, non-combustible potential reduced exposure products marketed to smokers
Research on the acute health effects of non-combustible potential reduced exposure products (PREPs), which are commonly marketed as being less harmful than cigarettes, suggests that while PREPs decrease the user’s overall exposure to toxicants, they are not effective at reducing smokers’ cravings. Twenty-eight smokers that had abstained from smoking overnight underwent a series of laboratory sessions in which they used seven different tobacco products: Star Scientific Ariva, Marlboro Snus, Camel Snus, Commit nicotine lozenge, Quest low-nicotine cigarettes, unlit cigarette, and their usual cigarette brand. Each product was tested twice in each session, with plasma nicotine levels, expired carbon monoxide (CO), and subjective effects measured. The results showed that while the non-combustible products delivered less nicotine than the smokers’ usual cigarettes and did not expose users to CO, they did not reduce tobacco abstinence symptoms as well as the combustible products. This inability to suppress cravings indicates that PREPs may not be effective harm reduction products for smokers. Click here to read the abstract of the study, published in Tobacco Control.

Exploring differences in smokers' perceptions of the effectiveness of cessation media messages
A recent study published in Tobacco Control indicates that smoking cessation advertisements focused on the rationale for quitting may be more effective than other cessation messages. Researchers used data from 7,060 adult smokers who participated in the New York Media Tracking Survey Online to assess reactions to four categories of cessation ads: why to quit graphic images; why to quit testimonials; how to quit; and anti-industry. Ad effectiveness was measured based on how much the ads made participants think, grabbed their attention, were believable, and made them want to quit smoking. Ads incorporating either of the “why to quit” strategies were more effective than “how to quit” or anti-industry messages. Smokers that did not want to quit or had not attempted to quit in the past year found all types of ads less effective than smokers who wanted to quit or had attempted to quit. The results suggest that tobacco control programs should utilize “why to quit” messages including graphic images or personal testimonials to promote cessation. Click here to read more.

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Reports

Experts urge further research on nicotine reduction to decrease tobacco addiction
Tobacco control experts have written a Special Communication in the journal Tobacco Control describing two meetings in which evidence was reviewed regarding reducing nicotine levels in tobacco products as a means of harm reduction. Current research generally supports reducing nicotine levels as a way to prevent early smokers from becoming addicted and help dependent smokers quit. The meeting attendees also identified topics and questions that should be addressed in future research efforts: the threshold nicotine dose for addiction in varied populations; influences that affect threshold nicotine dose; public reaction and acceptance of reduced-nicotine cigarettes; and unintended consequences of widespread introduction. The idea of using nicotine reduction to decrease the addictiveness of tobacco products was first brought up in 1994, but the topic has been brought to the forefront again with the passage of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act of 2009. The Tobacco Control Act gives the Food and Drug Administration the authority to set standards for the ingredients in tobacco products, which could therefore be used to regulate the amount of nicotine in the products. Click here to read more, or click here to read the abstract.

Medicaid smoking cessation benefit begins (KY)
Kentucky Governor Steve Beshear recently announced that as of October 1, Kentucky Medicaid recipients are eligible to receive counseling and nicotine replacement therapy to support their attempts to quit using tobacco. While about a quarter of adults in Kentucky are smokers, smoking is even more prevalent among Medicaid enrollees at 40%. Medicaid enrollees can ask their healthcare provider for an assessment of their tobacco use and readiness to quit, enroll in counseling, and receive nicotine gum, patches, or other tobacco cessation medications. Health advocates have lauded the new program as excellent health and economic policy that will save the state money in the long run by lowering costs associated with tobacco-related illnesses. Click here for more information.

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