Research

New study finds that national EX® campaign is cost-effective in promoting quit attempts
A new study published in Health Affairs reports that the EX campaign was cost-effective in promoting smoking cessation. EX is an ongoing mass media campaign run by Legacy that promotes quitting smoking on a national level and helps smokers learn to live without smoking. An evaluation assessed the costs and impact of this campaign on cessation in eight media markets compared to a status quo situation, or as if the campaign did not occur. Promotional ads for the campaign ran on radio and television in 2008 and targeted adult smokers ages 25-49. It was estimated that the EX intervention facilitated 52,979 quit attempts, and saved about 4,450 quality-adjusted life-years. It was determined that the campaign was indeed cost-effective based on a cost utility equation that resulted in incremental cost-utility estimates of $37,355 to $81,301 per quality-adjusted life-year. Click here to read more about this study in a press release from Legacy, in which the lead researcher notes that mass media tobacco control campaigns have a great potential to reduce smoking rates among youth and adults resulting in “saving lives and greatly reducing tobacco-related costs to society.” Click here to read the study abstract.

Improved physician-patient communication could influence pregnant women to quit smoking
A recent study reports that improvements to communication regarding smoking cessation between physicians and pregnant women are needed to improve the likelihood of cessation attempts. About 301 pregnant women (including 139 current smokers) had their first obstetric visit audio-recorded to enable researchers to determine whether physicians used the best practices tobacco cessation communication technique of “Five A’s” (Ask, Advice, Assess, Assist, and Arrange) in their discussions with mothers. Physicians asked about smoking status in 98% of the visits; however, only a third of the visits included advice to quit, resources, or assistance with cessation approaches. Additionally, providers assessed motivations for smoking and barriers to quitting in only 22% of the visits, and the average time where smoking cessation was discussed was about 47 seconds. Previous research shows that providing smokers with strategies and resources to quit is effective in helping smokers quit. Increasing healthcare providers’ use of the “Five A’s” is important in assisting pregnant mothers in quitting smoking, and can improve the health of mothers and their unborn babies. Click here to read more about this study published in the American Journal of Public Health. Click here to access the study abstract.

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Reports

Chantix may up heart risk, FDA warns
In December 2012, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) updated a review of the smoking cessation drug varenicline, also sold under the brand name Chantix, and reported that it may increase the risk of developing cardiovascular issues. The FDA commissioned Pfizer, the pharmaceutical company the makes the drug, to conduct a meta-analysis which revealed that there was a higher occurrence of cardiovascular events such as stroke and death among Chantix users than with a placebo. Although cardiovascular incidents were rare overall and the increased risk was found not to be statistically significant, the FDA still encourages clinicians to weigh the risks of Chantix compared to its benefits considering that cigarette smoking itself is a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Click here to read more, or click here to read the new FDA Drug Safety Communication.

First ever evidence-based quit smoking app launches on Facebook
The Schroeder Institute at Legacy funded by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has launched a new application, or “app,” for the social networking website Facebook that aids in smoking cessation and provides data for studies on the usability and success of quit-smoking apps. The new Facebook app called ”UbiQUITous” is the only evidence-based app on Facebook that is solely dedicated to helping smokers quit by helping them build a network of support out of their family and friends on Facebook. This novel approach will allow researchers to examine how quit-smoking tools “go viral,” to be disseminated through clusters of smokers online, and will provide information on how to make public health interventions more successful. Click here to read more.

Experts develop strategies for combating tobacco use in military
Medical and military experts gathered in December to discuss efforts to reduce tobacco use in the military. More than 40 medical and military experts from the Department of Defense, subject matter experts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the American Lung Association, non-profit and private organizations, and educational institutions met at Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland. The gathering, called the “Tobacco Deep-Dive,” was focused on discussions about the development of programs that facilitate group behavior change and building a supportive social environment to assist in smoking cessation among the military. The Military Health System included the reduction of tobacco use as a strategic objective since tobacco use is popular in the culture of the military and adversely affects the preparedness of the armed forces to carry out their duties. Outcomes of this gathering included suggestions for combating tobacco use in the military such as providing more tools, programs, and motivation for smokers in the military to quit. Click here to read more.

Smoking cessation sales hit $1 billion as more Americans vow to put it out in 2013, reports Mintel
A new report on smoking cessation aids released by Mintel, a global supplier of consumer, product, and media intelligence, states that sales of smoking cessation products are expected to increase in 2013. In light of people making New Year’s resolutions, projections reveal that smoking cessation product sales are expected to increase 3% versus 2011-2012, and reach amounts of $1 billion with growth continuing into 2017. The spread of smoke-free air policies and increases to taxes on tobacco products, in conjunction with the declining number of smokers, are contributing to growth opportunities in this market. There is a wide range of existing over-the-counter tobacco cessation products such as lozenges, patches, sprays, and inhalers with many more opportunities for product innovation and line extensions. Smoking cessation is the only way to reduce or eliminate the adverse health effects of smoking. While survey respondents stated that they are willing to try the various cessation products available, they also noted that support systems and in-person assistance are important for long-term cessation. Click here to read more. Click here to access the report.

New poll finds millions of smokers nationwide resolving to quit in the New Year
Legacy has released poll results that indicate that many smokers are resolving to quit smoking in 2013, but may be overlooking resources to make their quit attempts more successful. A December 2012 poll of American smokers assessed the role of healthcare professionals in treating smokers, recent methods smokers used for quitting, and knowledge about different quitting methods. A key finding from the poll was that only 18% of respondents made a New Year’s resolution to quit smoking in 2012, yet twice as many of these respondents resolved to quit in 2013. Also, the increasing costs of cigarettes (67%) and concerns about the health risks associated with smoking (58%) are the most frequently-cited factors motivating smokers to contemplate quitting smoking as a resolution for the New Year. Less than half (39%) of the participants used non-prescription cessation products like gums, lozenges or patches, during their last quit attempt; even fewer (13%) used a prescription medication during their most recent quit attempt. Lastly, among smokers who did speak with their healthcare providers about quitting in the last twelve months, 38% believe that the discussion motivated them or helped them to take the next step toward quitting (35%). Click here for an overview of the findings from Legacy.

Free training opportunity: Tobacco Use and Dependence: An Updated Review of Treatments
The University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health's free web-based CME/CE program on treating tobacco use and dependence has a new home. More than 30,000 clinicians have completed this CME/CE program since it was launched on Medscape with the publication of the 2008 PHS Clinical Practice Guideline, Treating Tobacco Use and Dependence.  The program has been updated and is now available directly through the University of Wisconsin for ease of use.  Participants will still earn one hour of CME/CE credit (physicians, nurses, and respiratory therapists) and the program is still free of charge. Click here to access the training program.

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