Research

Do people serve as cues to smoke?
A recent issue of Nicotine & Tobacco Research features a study to determine if people are capable of directly affecting smokers’ cigarette cravings. During this mixed methods study, 72 smokers took photos of people in their lives around whom they do and do not smoke. The researchers compared smokers’ physiological responses to these photos versus photos of people unknown to them. The findings showed that people who smokers typically smoke around can function as smoking cues, just as environmental and proximal smoke can. Conversely, people whom smokers do not smoke around can act as negative cues and reduce cravings. The study adds to evidence that managing a smoker’s environment can greatly improve cessation efforts. Click here to view the study abstract.

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Reports

Quality improvement initiative issue paper: Quitline referral systems
The North American Quitline Consortium (NAQC) has published a new paper, part of NAQC’s series of issue papers that aim to provide critical knowledge on important quitline topics and guidance for decision making. The “Quitline Referral Systems” paper explores the current state of quitline referral systems with healthcare and other providers. The paper also examines the critical operational and outcome-related components of these referral systems. Sections of the paper provide a background to quitline referral systems, standard definitions for referral systems, a review of current evidence, major components of referral systems, and information on creating systems change. Click here to view the paper.

Most U.S. smokers want to quit, have tried multiple times
A new poll by Gallup Wellbeing finds that 74% of current smokers in the U.S. report that they would like to quit. The annual Consumption Habits poll shows that 85% of smokers report they have made at least one quit attempt, and 45% have tried at least three times. Only 12% of smokers report they have never tried to quit. Almost half of former smokers reported quitting cold turkey (48%). Only 5% reported using a nicotine patch and 3% reported using nicotine replacement gum, candy, or lozenges. While the poll did not explore the reasons for the low usage of evidence-based cessation treatments, the report concludes that smokers are engaging in a habit that they wish they didn’t have, and most who quit smoking did so because of the negative health impacts of smoking. Click here to view the poll results from Gallup.

Dimensions: Tobacco free toolkit for healthcare providers
Through a partnership with the Colorado Department of Public Health, the Behavioral Health and Wellness Program at the University of Colorado School of Medicine released a new toolkit titled “DIMENSIONS: Tobacco free toolkit for healthcare providers.” The guide provides useful tools and resources to support the implementation of tobacco cessation services in healthcare settings. Topics included in the guide are tobacco use and health, assessment and planning for change, tobacco cessation treatment, maintaining a tobacco-free life, and national tobacco cessation resources. Click here to view the full toolkit. A supplement for behavioral health settings is also available.

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