Research

Cell phone messages may help smokers quit
According to a new study published in The Cochrane Library, text and video messages designed to assist in smoking cessation increase success rates for people who are trying to quit smoking. A meta-analysis was conducted of studies where smokers were assigned to one of two groups: one that received text and video messages prior to and after the participants’ quit date, and another group that did not receive any additional messages. The pooled studies consisted of 9,100 smokers that were tracked for six months with about half (4,730 people) assigned to the text or video group, and the other approximate half (4,370) assigned to the group that did not receive any additional services. Among the text and video group, 444 participants successfully quit smoking, and among the no additional services group, 240 quit smoking for six months – a quit rate which is almost 50% less than the first group. While the success rates using text and video messages are small, they have similar success rates as quitlines, and are less expensive than counseling. Additionally, these messages can be automated and can be used on a widespread scale. The lead researcher states that quitting smoking is not an easy task, and may take several attempts; however it is important to offer as many cessation assistance tools as possible to help smokers quit long-term. Click here to read more. Click here to access the study abstract.

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Reports

Tobacco Atlas estimates 1 billion people will die worldwide during 21st century if they don't quit smoking
The American Cancer Society (ACS) commemorated the 37th Great American Smokeout (GASO) on November 15th. GASO was created by ACS to inspire and encourage smokers to use this date to quit smoking, or to make a plan to quit. According to The Tobacco Atlas, Fourth Edition published by ACS and the World Lung Foundation, about one billion people worldwide will die during the 21st century due to tobacco use. About 30% of all cancer deaths and 80% of lung cancer deaths are attributed to tobacco use. Additionally, the report suggests that smoking-related health issues such as shortness of breath and coughing improve within one to nine months after quitting smoking. Tobacco use is associated with adverse health outcomes, loss of productivity, and death. GASO is an opportunity for smokers to begin the process of quitting smoking, thereby improving their overall health. Click here to read more. Click here to access The Tobacco Atlas.

How employers impact their bottom line by helping employees quit smoking
A cultural shift is taking place among employers in that they taking an active role in curbing the smoking habits of their employees. Employers are implementing smoking cessation programs as part of their organizational wellness programs to reduce healthcare costs and increase employee productivity. Smoking is associated with several negative health outcomes that can lead to high healthcare costs and loss of productivity, making investments in smoking cessation programs beneficial to both employers and employees. This article suggests ways in which employers can select and implement effective smoking cessation programs that will reduce smoking-related medical costs, absenteeism, and building maintenance expenses. Click here to read more.

Project UNIFORM: Building military-civilian partnerships to end tobacco use (CA)
This online toolkit was developed by the California Youth Advocacy Network (CYAN) as a resource to assist military personnel in efforts to quit smoking. The online toolkit provides a brief history of the Great American Smokeout; history of tobacco control in the U.S. armed forces; web-based resources; event ideas; fact sheets (Veterans in California Counties; Did You Know? Veteran Facts; Military & Social Media; Tobacco & Endurance; Tobacco & Fitness; Tobacco & Military Families; Tobacco & Finance; Tobacco & Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)/Mental Health; Smokeless Tobacco & Snus; Hookah; Electronic Cigarettes; and Cigars); and sample materials including ads, flyers, a news release, social media press release; and handouts. Click here to access this toolkit.

Georgia Tobacco Use Prevention Program is promoting nicotine replacement therapy (GA)
The Georgia Tobacco Use Prevention Program has relaunched its Nicotine Replacement Therapy Program in efforts to increase smoking cessation in the state. This program provides uninsured Georgia residents who call the toll-free Georgia Quit Line a free, four-week supply of nicotine replacement products including nicotine gum or patches. They will also receive one-on-one counseling from a smoking cessation expert. Participants will be sent educational materials about smoking in the mail, and they must agree to take part in the quitline’s “call program” where a counselor calls them several times during the four-week period to assess their progress. Click here to read the press release distributed by the Georgia Department of Public Health.

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