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Zhao SZ, Wu Y, Cheung DYT, Luk TT, Weng X, Tong HSC, Lai V, Chan SSC, Lam TH, Wang MP. Increase of unmotivated and hardened smokers in Hong Kong: a repeated cross-sectional trend analysis. Tob Control 2024; 33:481-488. [PMID: 36878685 DOI: 10.1136/tc-2022-057724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To examine the trends in the prevalence of hardening indicators and hardened smokers in Hong Kong, where the low smoking prevalence has plateaued in the recent decade. METHODS This is an analysis of repeated cross-sectional data from 9 territory-wide smoking cessation campaigns conducted annually from 2009 to 2018 (except 2011). Participants were 9837 biochemically verified daily cigarette smokers aged ≥18 years (18.5% female, mean age 43.2±14.2 years) recruited from the communities. Hardening indicators included heavy smoking (>15 CPD), high nicotine dependence (Heaviness of Smoking Index ≥5), no intention to quit within next 30 days and no past-year quit attempt. Perceived importance, confidence and difficulty of quitting were measured (each ranged 0-10). Multivariable regressions were used to model the changes in hardening indicators by calendar year, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. RESULTS From 2009 to 2018, the prevalence of heavy smoking decreased from 57.6% to 39.4% (p<0.001), high nicotine dependence also decreased from 10.5% to 8.6% (p=0.06). However, the proportion of smokers with no intention to quit (12.7%-69.0%) and no past-year quit attempt (74.4%-80.4%) significantly increased (both p values <0.001). Hardened smokers (heavy smoking, no intention to quit, no past-year attempt quit attempt) significantly increased from 5.9% to 20.7% (p<0.001). Mean perceived importance (from 7.9±2.3 to 6.6±2.5) and confidence (from 6.2±2.6 to 5.3±2.4) of quitting also decreased significantly (all p values <0.001). CONCLUSIONS Daily cigarette smokers in Hong Kong were motivational hardening, but not dependence hardening. Effective tobacco control policies and interventions are warranted to motivate quitting to further reduce smoking prevalence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheng Zhi Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Yongda Wu
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | | | - Tzu Tsun Luk
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Xue Weng
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
| | | | - Vienna Lai
- Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, Wanchai, Hong Kong
| | | | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
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Pfund RA, Ginley MK, Boness CL, Rash CJ, Zajac K, Witkiewitz K. Contingency Management for Drug Use Disorders: Meta-Analysis and Application of Tolin's Criteria. CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY-SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2024; 31:136-150. [PMID: 38863566 PMCID: PMC11164545 DOI: 10.1037/cps0000121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2024]
Abstract
Several professional organizations and federal agencies recommend contingency management (CM) as an empirically supported treatment for drug use disorder. However, the release of the "Tolin criteria" warrants an updated recommendation. Using this methodology, five meta-analyses (84 studies, 11,000 participants) were reviewed. Two meta-analyses were rated moderate quality, and three were rated low or critically low quality. Comparator conditions included active treatment, placebo, treatment as usual, and no treatment. The primary outcome was abstinence. Considering only the moderate quality meta-analyses, the effect of CM versus control on posttreatment abstinence was d = 0.54 [0.43, 0.64] and follow-up abstinence was d=0.08 [0.00, 0.16]. A "strong" recommendation was provided for CM as an empirically supported treatment for drug use disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory A. Pfund
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico
| | | | | | - Carla J. Rash
- Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
| | - Kristyn Zajac
- Calhoun Cardiology Center, University of Connecticut School of Medicine
| | - Katie Witkiewitz
- Center on Alcohol, Substance use, And Addictions, University of New Mexico
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Wu YS, Cheung YTD, Lee JJJ, Wong CKH, Ho SY, Li WHC, Yao Y, Lam TH, Wang MP. Effect of Adding Personalized Instant Messaging Apps to a Brief Smoking Cessation Model in Community Smokers in Hong Kong: Pragmatic Randomized Clinical Trial. J Med Internet Res 2024; 26:e44973. [PMID: 38739429 PMCID: PMC11130779 DOI: 10.2196/44973] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While text messaging has proven effective for smoking cessation (SC), engagement in the intervention remains suboptimal. OBJECTIVE This study aims to evaluate whether using more interactive and adaptive instant messaging (IM) apps on smartphones, which enable personalization and chatting with SC advisors, can enhance SC outcomes beyond the provision of brief SC advice and active referral (AR) to SC services. METHODS From December 2018 to November 2019, we proactively recruited 700 adult Chinese daily cigarette users in Hong Kong. Participants were randomized in a 1:1 ratio. At baseline, all participants received face-to-face brief advice on SC. Additionally, they were introduced to local SC services and assisted in selecting one. The intervention group received an additional 26 personalized regular messages and access to interactive chatting through IM apps for 3 months. The regular messages aimed to enhance self-efficacy, social support, and behavioral capacity for quitting, as well as to clarify outcome expectations related to cessation. We developed 3 sets of messages tailored to the planned quit date (within 30 days, 60 days, and undecided). Participants in the intervention group could initiate chatting with SC advisors on IM themselves or through prompts from regular messages or proactive inquiries from SC advisors. The control group received 26 SMS text messages focusing on general health. The primary outcomes were smoking abstinence validated by carbon monoxide levels of <4 parts per million at 6 and 12 months after the start of the intervention. RESULTS Of the participants, 505/700 (72.1%) were male, and 450/648 (69.4%) were aged 40 or above. Planning to quit within 30 days was reported by 500/648 (77.2%) participants, with fewer intervention group members (124/332, 37.3%) reporting previous quit attempts compared with the control group (152/335, 45.4%; P=.04). At the 6- and 12-month follow-ups (with retention rates of 456/700, 65.1%, and 446/700, 63.7%, respectively), validated abstinence rates were comparable between the intervention (14/350, 4.0%, and 19/350, 5.4%) and control (11/350, 3.1% and 21/350, 6.0%) groups. Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported greater utilization of SC services at 12 months (RR 1.26, 95% CI 1.01-1.56). Within the intervention group, engaging in chat sessions with SC advisors predicted better validated abstinence at 6 months (RR 3.29, 95% CI 1.13-9.63) and any use of SC services (RR 1.66, 95% CI 1.14-2.43 at 6 months; RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.26-2.23 at 12 months). CONCLUSIONS An IM-based intervention, providing support and assistance alongside brief SC advice and AR, did not yield further increases in quitting rates but did encourage the utilization of SC services. Future research could explore whether enhanced SC service utilization leads to improved long-term SC outcomes. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800719; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03800719.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongda Socrates Wu
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | | | - Jay Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Carlos King Ho Wong
- Department of Family Medicine and Primary Care, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Sai Yin Ho
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - William Ho Cheung Li
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
- Nethersole School of Nursing, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Ying Yao
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China (Hong Kong)
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Yang X, Galárraga O, Cao W, Lin H, Cao F, Chang C. Financial incentive interventions for smoking cessation among Chinese smokers: study protocol for a cluster randomised controlled trial. BMJ Open 2024; 14:e080344. [PMID: 38684254 PMCID: PMC11086505 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2023-080344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION There is an urgent issue to relieve the burdens caused by tobacco use through feasible and effective smoking cessation interventions, particularly in a middle-income country with less accessible smoking cessation services and high demand for quitting smoking. Financial incentives have shown effective in changing health behaviours, thus needing to test its portability to a wider implementation and effectiveness of increasing smoking cessation rates. METHODS AND ANALYSIS This is a three-arm cluster randomised controlled trial. 462 eligible participants will be assigned to 2 financial incentive groups-rewards or deposits, or the control group. All participants including those in the control group will receive text messages to help quitting smoking developed by the US National Cancer Institute over a 3-month intervention period. In addition to text messages, reward group participants will be rewarded with CNY200 and CNY400 (CNY100 approximately US$15) for sustained smoking abstinence at 1 month and 3 months follow-up assessments; participants in the deposit group will accumulate CNY200 and CNY600 in the deposit accounts after verified smoking abstinence at 1 month and 3 months follow-up assessments, and all the deposits will be given at once right after the 3-month follow-up visit. The primary outcome is biochemically verified smoking abstinence rate sustained for 6 months after enrolment. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION This trial protocol has been approved by the Ethics Committee of Peking University Health Science Centre (date: 23 February 2023; ethical approval number: IRB00001052-22172). Results and findings of this trial will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and professional conferences. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER ChiCTR-IOR-2300069631.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochen Yang
- Peking University Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Omar Galárraga
- Brown University School of Public Health, Providence, UK
| | - Wangnan Cao
- Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Haoxiang Lin
- Peking University Institute for Global Health and Development, Beijing, China
| | - Fei Cao
- Department of Marketing, Tianjin University of Finance and Economics, Tianjin, China
| | - Chun Chang
- Peking University Department of Social Medicine and Health Education, Beijing, Beijing, China
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Weng X, Ma EC, Song CY, Lee JJ, Tong HSC, Lai VWY, Lam TH, Wang MP. Experiences of quitting smoking in prisons: A qualitative study of people in custody. Tob Induc Dis 2024; 22:TID-22-43. [PMID: 38375095 PMCID: PMC10875655 DOI: 10.18332/tid/183604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Smoking prevalence among people in custody (PIC) is extremely high, and prison-based smoking cessation interventions are needed. The study explored the quitting experiences of PIC who participated in the 'Quit to Win' contest (QTW). METHODS This qualitative study, conducted from 2019 to 2021 in two Hong Kong prisons, included semi-structured individual interviews with 26 PIC (13 men and 13 women) who were participants in QTW and two correctional staff who coordinated QTW. A semi-structured interview guide with open-ended questions was developed to examine multilevel factors that promote or impede smoking cessation in prisons. Maximum variation sampling was used to ensure a diverse range of social, demographic, and smoking profiles. Data were managed and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Two themes were identified from the data: 1) quitting in prison: barriers and facilitators; and 2) QTW in prison: a trigger for behavior change. Barriers (i.e. stress, boredom, isolation, lack of self-autonomy, nicotine dependence and lack of cessation medication, barriers to moving to a different wing) and facilitators (i.e. concerns about health, money savings, and the smoke-free wing) that impeded or supported smoking cessation during incarceration were identified. QTW provided health education, quitting incentives, and social support that helped PIC overcome the barriers of quitting by serving as a trigger for behavior change. Notably, social visits with family were identified as key drivers of PIC's quitting success, whereas their suspension during the COVID-19 pandemic disincentivized their abstinence. CONCLUSIONS This study introduced the QTW contest to prisons and provided qualitative evidence on the multilevel factors promoting or impeding smoking cessation in prison. QTW helped PIC overcome the barriers of quitting by serving as a trigger for behavior change. Future prison-based interventions should leverage social support, enhance stress-coping skills, facilitate access to pharmacotherapy, and collaborate with correctional services agencies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Weng
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Emily Ching Ma
- School of Public Health, Brown University, United States
| | - Chu Yu Song
- School of Social Development and Public Policy, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Jung Jae Lee
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Siersbaek R, Kavanagh P, Ford J, Burke S, Parker S. How and why do financial incentives contribute to helping people stop smoking? A realist review. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:500. [PMID: 38365629 PMCID: PMC10873947 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-17967-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tobacco smoking remains a key cause of preventable illness and death globally. In response, many countries provide extensive services to help people to stop smoking by offering a variety of effective behavioural and pharmacological therapies. However, many people who wish to stop smoking do not have access to or use stop smoking supports, and new modes of support, including the use of financial incentives, are needed to address this issue. A realist review of published international literature was undertaken to understand how, why, for whom, and in which circumstances financial incentives contribute to success in stopping smoking for general population groups and among pregnant women. METHODS Systematic searches were undertaken from inception to February 2022 of five academic databases: MEDLINE (ovid), Embase.com, CIHAHL, Scopus and PsycINFO. Study selection was inclusive of all study designs. Twenty-two studies were included. Using Pawson and Tilley's iterative realist review approach, data collected were screened, selected, coded, analysed, and synthesised into a set of explanatory theoretical findings. RESULTS Data were synthesised into six Context-Mechanism-Outcome Configurations and one overarching programme theory after iterative rounds of analysis, team discussion, and expert panel feedback. Our programme theory shows that financial incentives are particularly useful to help people stop smoking if they have a financial need, are pregnant or recently post-partum, have a high threshold for behaviour change, and/or respond well to external rewards. The incentives work through a number of mechanisms including the role their direct monetary value can play in a person's life and through a process of reinforcement where they can help build confidence and self-esteem. CONCLUSION This is the first realist review to synthesise how, why, and for whom financial incentives work among those attempting to stop smoking, adding to the existing evidence demonstrating their efficacy. The findings will support the implementation of current knowledge into effective programmes which can enhance the impact of stop smoking care. PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER CRD42022298941.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rikke Siersbaek
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Paul Kavanagh
- Health Intelligence, Strategic Planning and Transformation, 4th Floor, Jervis House, Jervis Street, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Ford
- Wolfson Institute for Population Health, Queen Mary University, Charterhouse Square, EC1M 6BQ, London, UK
| | - Sara Burke
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah Parker
- Centre for Health Policy and Management, Trinity College Dublin, 3-4 Foster Place, Dublin, Ireland
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Weng X, Luk TT, Wu YS, Zhao SZ, Cheung DYT, Tong HSC, Lai VWY, Lam TH, Wang MP. Effect of smoking-related COVID-19 risk messaging on smoking cessation in community smokers: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial. Tob Induc Dis 2023; 21:77. [PMID: 37323509 PMCID: PMC10266330 DOI: 10.18332/tid/163176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Revised: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Observational and experimental studies have suggested that messaging on smoking-related COVID-19 risk may promote smoking abstinence, but evidence from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) is lacking. METHODS This was a pragmatic RCT in Hong Kong, China, to compare the effectiveness of communicating smoking-related COVID-19 risk with generic cessation support on abstinence. Both groups received brief cessation advice at baseline. The intervention group received messaging on smoking-related COVID-19 risk and cessation support via instant messaging for three months (16 messages in total), which highlighted the increased risk of severe COVID-19 and deaths, and potentially higher risk of viral exposure (e.g. due to mask removal) for smokers. The control group received generic text messaging support for three months (16 messages). The primary outcomes were biochemically validated 7-day point prevalence abstinence (PPA) at 3 and 6 months. Intention to treat analyses was used. RESULTS Between 13 June and 30 October 2020, 1166 participants were randomly assigned to an intervention (n=583) or control (n=583) group. By intention-to-treat, validated 7-day PPA did not significantly differ between the intervention and control groups at three months (9.6% and 11.8%, relative risk, RR=0.81; 95% CI: 0.58-1.13, p=0.22) or six months (9.3% and 11.7%, RR=0.79; 95% CI: 0.57-1.11, p=0.18). A higher perceived severity of COVID-19 in smokers at baseline was associated with a greater validated 7-day PPA at six months, and a marginally significant intervention effect on changes in perceived severity from baseline through 6 months was found (p for group × time interaction = 0.08). CONCLUSIONS Communicating smoking-related COVID-19 risk via instant messaging was not more effective in increasing smoking abstinence than generic cessation support. TRIAL REGISTRATION The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04399967.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Weng
- Institute of Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, Beijing Normal University, Zhuhai, China
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tzu Tsun Luk
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | - Sheng Zhi Zhao
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | | | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Zeng Y, Luk TT, Wu YS, Tong SCΗ, Lai WYV, Lam TH, Wang MP. Associations of changes in smoking-related practices with quit attempt and smoking consumption during the COVID-19 pandemic: A mixed-methods study. Tob Induc Dis 2022; 20:20. [PMID: 36588925 PMCID: PMC9782258 DOI: 10.18332/tid/156454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION How changes in smoking routine due to COVID-19 restrictions (e.g. refraining from smoking outdoors and stockpiling tobacco products) influence smoking behaviors remains understudied. We examined the associations of changes in smoking-related practices with quit attempts and smoking consumption in current smokers using a mixed-methods design. METHODS In a community-based telephone survey conducted between the second and third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong, 659 smokers (87.1% male; 45.2% aged 40-59 years) were asked about quit attempts and changes in cigarette consumption and five smoking-related practices since the COVID-19 outbreak. Logistic regression was used to calculate adjusted odds ratio (AOR), adjusting for sex, age, education level, chronic disease status, heaviness of smoking (HSI), psychological distress (PHQ-4) and perceived danger of COVID-19. A subsample of 34 smokers provided qualitative data through semi-structured interviews for thematic analyses. RESULTS Favorable changes in smoking-related practices, including having avoided smoking on the street (prevalence: 58.9%) and reduced going out to buy cigarettes (33.5%), were associated with a quit attempt (AOR: 2.09 to 2.26; p<0.01) and smoking reduction (AOR: 1.76 to 4.97; p<0.05). Avoiding smoking with other smokers (50.5%) was associated with smoking reduction (AOR=1.76; p<0.05) but not quit attempt (AOR=1.26; p>0.05). Unfavorable changes, including having increased smoking at home (25.0%) and stockpiled tobacco products (19.6%), were associated with increased smoking (AOR: 2.84 to 6.20; p<0.05). Low HSI (0-2) was associated with favorable changes (p<0.01), while high HSI score (3-6) was associated with unfavorable changes (p<0.01). Qualitative interviews revealed a double-edged effect of staying at home on smoking consumption and that pandemic precautionary measures (e.g. mask-wearing) reduced outdoor smoking. CONCLUSIONS Amid the pandemic, favorable changes in smoking-related practices in smokers were mostly associated with quit attempts and smoking reduction, while unfavorable changes were associated with increased smoking. Smokers with higher nicotine dependence were more negatively impacted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingpei Zeng
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tzu Tsun Luk
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | | | | | - Wai Yin V. Lai
- Hong Kong Council on Smoking and Health, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Tai Hing Lam
- School of Public Health, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Man Ping Wang
- School of Nursing, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Pisinger C, Toxværd CG, Rasmussen M. Smoking Cessation Programs Are Less Effective in Smokers with Low Socioeconomic Status Even When Financial Incentives for Quitting Smoking Are Offered-A Community-Randomized Smoking Cessation Trial in Denmark. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10879. [PMID: 36078595 PMCID: PMC9518409 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Financial incentives offered to those who quit smoking have been found effective, also in persons with low socioeconomic status (SES), but no previous study has investigated who benefits most: smokers with low or high SES. In this community-randomized trial ("Richer without smoking"), three Danish municipalities were randomized to reward persons who were abstinent when attending the municipal smoking cessation program (FIMs) and three municipalities were randomized to spend the same amount on smoking cessation campaigns recruiting smokers to the smoking cessation program (CAMs). The municipalities each received approximately USD 16,000. An intention-to-treat approach was used in analyses. In regression analyses adjusted for individual- and municipal-level differences, we found that smokers with high SES living in FIMs had significantly higher proportion of validated long-term successful quitters (OR (95% CI): 2.59 (1.6-4.2)) than high-SES smokers living in CAM. Smokers with low SES, however, did not experience the same benefit of financial incentives as smokers with high SES. Neither the FIMs nor the CAMs succeeded in attracting more smokers with low SES during the intervention year 2018 than the year before. Our study showed that smokers with low SES did not experience the same benefit of financial incentives as smokers with high SES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotta Pisinger
- Center for Clinical Research and Prevention, Bispebjerg and Frederiksberg Hospital, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Danish Heart Foundation, 1120 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Goltermann Toxværd
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Mette Rasmussen
- Clinical Health Promotion Centre, WHO-CC, The Parker Institute, Bispebjerg & Frederiksberg Hospital, 2000 Frederiksberg, Denmark
- Clinical Health Promotion Centre, WHO-CC, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, 223 62 Lund, Sweden
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High Perceived Susceptibility to and Severity of COVID-19 in Smokers Are Associated with Quitting-Related Behaviors. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010894. [PMID: 34682641 PMCID: PMC8535969 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010894] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence shows smoking is a risk factor for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We examined the associations of quitting-related behaviors with perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 in smokers. We conducted a telephone survey of 659 community-based adult smokers (81.7% male) in Hong Kong, where there was no lockdown. Exposure variables were perceptions that smoking can increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 (perceived susceptibility) and its severity if infected (perceived severity). Outcome variables were quit attempts, smoking reduction since the outbreak of the pandemic, and intention to quit within 30 days. Covariates included sex, age, education, heaviness of smoking, psychological distress, and perceived danger of COVID-19. High perceived susceptibility and severity were reported by 23.9% and 41.7% of participants, respectively. High perceived susceptibility was associated with quit attempts (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.22, 95% CI 1.41–3.49), smoking reduction (PR 1.75, 95% CI 1.21–2.51), and intention to quit (PR 2.31, 95% CI 1.40–3.84). Perceived severity of COVID-19 was associated with quit attempts (PR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.67) but not with smoking reduction or intention to quit. To conclude, the perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 in smokers were associated with quitting-related behaviors in current smokers, which may have important implications for smoking cessation amid the pandemic.
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