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Hashim MAB, Ismail IHB, Md Sabri BAB. "We're tough, but so is quitting." Barriers to Smoking Cessation: The Royal Malaysian Navy Perspective. Mil Med 2023; 188:e3386-e3392. [PMID: 37525946 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usad268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco kills half of its users. Despite this, there are over 1.1 billion smokers worldwide. Its harmful effects impair performance and readiness. Unfortunately, smoking has deeply ingrained in the military culture, as evidenced by the high prevalence. Hence, this study aims to identify the barriers to smoking cessation among this population. METHODS A study involving two groups of current smokers (commissioned officers and non-commissioned officers) was conducted using the modified nominal group technique (mNGT), a qualitative research method of judgmental decision-making involving four phases: Generating ideas, recording, evaluation, and prioritization. The mNGT was used to solicit respondents' barriers to smoking cessation. RESULTS The mNGT yielded seven main barriers to smoking cessation: (1) Addiction, (2) difficulty in staying focused without the usage of cigarettes, (3) smoking has been incorporated into an individual's lifestyle, (4) environmental influence, (5) coping mechanism, (6) the long-interval period between orders and duties exacerbates the desire to smoke, and (7) smoking has evolved into a permanent habit. Although nicotine addiction and habit were ranked as the most important barriers, the military working environment and nature of the job exposed them physically and mentally to unfavorable situations, complicating the quitting attempt. Furthermore, the acceptance of smoking in military culture leads to a positive smoker identity, further hindering cessation. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that in addition to barriers affecting the general population, military-specific barriers related to the nature of the job exist, complicating cessation. Hence, any intervention program should address these barriers to achieve positive outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhamad Arham Bin Hashim
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47000, Malaysia
- The Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysia
| | - Ikmal Hisham Bin Ismail
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47000, Malaysia
| | - Budi Aslinie Binti Md Sabri
- Faculty of Dentistry, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Sungai Buloh Campus, Jalan Hospital, Sungai Buloh, Selangor Darul Ehsan 47000, Malaysia
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Pebley K, Mallawaarachchi I, Krukowski RA, Morris JD, Little MA. Sexy, trashy, cool: Perceptions of electronic cigarette users across sociodemographic groups and E-cigarette use among United States Air Force Airmen. Prev Med Rep 2023; 34:102250. [PMID: 37252065 PMCID: PMC10209875 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2023.102250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023] Open
Abstract
E-cigarette use has increased in recent years. Military personnel have higher rates of e-cigarette use than civilian populations, with 15.3% of Air Force recruits using e-cigarettes. The current study assessed associations between perceptions of e-cigarette users and current use of e-cigarettes, and differences in sociodemographic characteristics to determine if there were different beliefs among different groups to inform intervention development among these straight-to-work young adults. Participants (N = 17,314) were United States Air Force Airmen (60.7% White, 29.7% women) who completed a survey during their first week of Technical Training. Regression results indicated that identifying as a man (B = 0.22, SE = 0.02), identifying as Black (B = 0.06, SE = 0.02), reporting younger age (B = -0.15, SE = 0.02), having less education (B = -0.04, SE = 0.02), and current e-cigarette use (B = 0.62, SE = 0.02) were associated with endorsing more positive e-cigarette user perceptions. Identifying as a woman (B = -0.04, SE = 0.02) and being younger (B = -0.06, SE = 0.02) were associated with endorsing more negative perceptions of e-cigarette users. Current e-cigarette use was inversely associated with negative e-cigarette user perceptions (B = -0.59, SE = 0.02). Differences across groups were found for individual e-cigarette user characteristics. Future intervention strategies among Airmen may benefit from addressing e-cigarette user perceptions to change use behaviors, as these perceptions may result in stigmatized beliefs related to e-cigarette users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey Pebley
- The University of Memphis, Department of Psychology, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
| | - Indika Mallawaarachchi
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
| | - Rebecca A. Krukowski
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
| | - James D. Morris
- The University of Memphis, Department of Psychology, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152, United States
| | - Melissa A. Little
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA 22903, United States
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Pebley K, Wang XQ, Fahey MC, Patten CA, Mallawaarachchi I, Talcott GW, Klesges RC, Little MA. Examination of Tobacco-Related Messaging and Tobacco Use over Time among U.S. Military Young Adults. Subst Use Misuse 2022; 58:146-152. [PMID: 36476101 PMCID: PMC10116438 DOI: 10.1080/10826084.2022.2151313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background: People from minoritized populations have historically been targeted by tobacco companies. Little is known about exposure to tobacco-related messages among military personnel from disadvantaged backgrounds. Objectives: The current study aimed to examine exposure to tobacco-related messaging across many nicotine products and through a variety of mediums (i.e., family, friends, advertisements, event promotions, social media) among diverse military populations and use one year later in a sample of young adults who recently enlisted in the U.S. Air Force. Methods: In this study, 8,901 U.S. Air Force trainees reported on demographics, tobacco use, and exposure to positive tobacco messages from social sources (i.e., friends, family, social media) and environmental sources (i.e., advertisements and promotions). Tobacco use was reported one-year later. Results: Compared to others of the same reported racial/ethnic background, Latino/a/x (Relative Risk Ratio [RRR] = 1.354, 95% CI: [1.145, 1.563]) and multiracial (RRR = 1.594, 95% CI: [1.173, 2.016]) participants who were exposed to positive tobacco messages from social sources were significantly more likely to report tobacco product use at one-year follow-up than those who were not exposed to social messages. Exposure to positive tobacco messages from environmental sources were not significantly associated with tobacco use one year later. Conclusions: Social messages may play an important role in increasing risk of tobacco use among some minoritized populations. Cultural as well as systemic factors could be addressed in future tobacco prevention programs to decrease the potency of positive tobacco-related social messages among Latino/a/x and multiracial communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey Pebley
- The University of Memphis, Department of Psychology, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152
| | - Xin-Qun Wang
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - Margaret C. Fahey
- The University of Memphis, Department of Psychology, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152
| | - Christi A. Patten
- The Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, 200 First Street, SW Colonial 3, Rochester, MN 55902
| | - Indika Mallawaarachchi
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - G. Wayne Talcott
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
- The Mayo Clinic, Department of Psychiatry & Psychology, Rochester, 200 First Street, SW Colonial 3, Rochester, MN 55902
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 59 MDW/ 59 SGOWMP, 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Bldg 4554, Joint Base Lackland AFB, TX 78236
| | - Robert C. Klesges
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
| | - Melissa A. Little
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, 560 Ray C. Hunt Drive, Charlottesville, VA, 22903
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McDaniel JT, McDermott RJ, Henson H, Brown D, Albright DL, Kreckman V, Lockhart E, Bains R. Cigarette Use among Parents with Children in the Home: A Comparison of Civilian Parents and Parents with a Military Connection. ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH INSIGHTS 2022; 16:11786302221137220. [PMID: 36389655 PMCID: PMC9647300 DOI: 10.1177/11786302221137220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/19/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
We tested the null hypothesis of equal likelihood of cigarette use among parents with a military connection and parents without a military connection, and independently compared risk factors for cigarette use. We obtained National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data from 2015 to 2019 survey waves. We delimited analysis to 2-parent households who reported children aged <18 years living with them. After a 2:1 nonparametric age matching procedure, our sample included 1106 civilian parents and 553 parents with a military connection. Using the NHIS survey-design weights, we estimated a design-based F statistic for differences in cigarette use by military connection status. We also estimated population-stratified, survey-weighted multivariable logistic regression models to determine risk factors for parent cigarette use. Whereas 6.87% parents with a military connection used cigarettes, 16.64% of age-matched civilian parents reported cigarette use. This difference was significant even after adjustment for covariates (aOR = 0.49, 95% CI = 0.32, 0.74). Recommendations for programing and policy are provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin T. McDaniel
- School of Human Sciences, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | | | - Harvey Henson
- STEM Education Research Center,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Daniel Brown
- STEM Education Research Center,
Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | | | - Virginia Kreckman
- School of Human Sciences, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Elijah Lockhart
- School of Human Sciences, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
| | - Ramanjot Bains
- School of Human Sciences, Southern
Illinois University, Carbondale, IL, USA
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Little MA, Wang XQ, Fahey MC, Wiseman KP, Pebley K, Klesges RC, Talcott GW. Efficacy of a group-based brief tobacco intervention among young adults aged 18-20 years in the US Air Force. Tob Induc Dis 2021; 19:95. [PMID: 34963775 PMCID: PMC8653010 DOI: 10.18332/tid/143282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Most smokers begin using tobacco before the age of 25 years, making it important to reduce tobacco use during adolescence and early adulthood. Rates of use are historically higher among military personnel. While 'Tobacco 21' made it illegal for US retailers to sell tobacco to those aged <21 years, the policy did not address cessation for current youth and young adult tobacco users. Additionally, there is limited research on cessation interventions among young adults under 21 years. The current study evaluated the efficacy of a group-based Brief Tobacco Intervention (BTI) among US Air Force trainees, who are predominantly aged 18-20 years and directly impacted by Tobacco 21 legislation. METHODS Participants were 2969 US Air Force Trainees from April 2017 through January 2018 cluster randomized to three conditions: 1) BTI + Airman's Guide to Remaining Tobacco Free (AG), 2) AG alone, and 3) the National Cancer Institute's Clearing the Air (CTA) pamphlet. To assess the efficacy of the interventions among people aged 18-20 years, a domain analysis (<21 years, n=2117; and ≥21 years, n=852) of a multinomial logistic regression model was run. RESULTS Mono tobacco users aged <21 years at baseline who received the BTI+AG had higher odds of quitting tobacco at 3 months (OR=2.13; 95% CI: 1.02-4.46). Dual and poly users aged <21 years at baseline who received the BTI+AG intervention had higher odds of reducing the number of tobacco products used at 3 months (OR=2.94; 95% CI: 1.03-8.37). CONCLUSIONS The BTI was effective for people aged 18-20 years. The current study offers insight into components of interventions that might be successful in helping this age group decrease tobacco use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Little
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Xin-Qun Wang
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Margaret C. Fahey
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
| | - Kara P. Wiseman
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Kinsey Pebley
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, Memphis, United States
| | - Robert C. Klesges
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, United States
| | - Gerald W. Talcott
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, United States
- Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 59th Medical Wing, Lackland, United States
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Pebley K, Krukowski RA, Porter K, Little MA. Descriptive and Injunctive Norms Related to E-Cigarettes. Mil Med 2021; 185:e1919-e1922. [PMID: 32803243 DOI: 10.1093/milmed/usaa227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION E-cigarette use has rapidly increased in prevalence in the United States, and rates of use are even higher among military personnel compared to the general population. Descriptive and injunctive norms have previously been shown to impact tobacco use. However, little research has been conducted related to e-cigarette descriptive and injunctive norms, and no research has addressed e-cigarette norms among a military population. MATERIALS AND METHODS From July, 2018 to February, 2019, 22 focus groups (N = 164) were conducted among airmen, military training leaders, and technical training instructors. The focus groups aimed to gain insight into facilitators and barriers to tobacco use during technical training, where airmen receive training for their specific jobs. Study procedures were approved by the institutional review board of the 59th Medical Wing in San Antonio. Focus group recordings were transcribed, and transcripts coded. Themes related to descriptive and injunctive norms were examined for the current study. RESULTS Many interviewees mentioned the prevalence of e-cigarette use, either generally ("…a lot of people vape but that's kind of the thing nowadays") or with specific estimates of how many airmen use ("vaping, probably at least 60-70%"). However, injunctive norms were not commonly discussed, with only a couple of interviewees mentioning that e-cigarette use is the "cool" trend or they feel peer pressure. CONCLUSIONS Descriptive norms were more commonly mentioned than injunctive norms, which may indicate that injunctive norms are not as influential for e-cigarette use. Additionally, all estimates related to e-cigarette prevalence were higher than actual rates of use, showing an overestimation of use, which previous literature has shown increases likelihood of e-cigarette use. Future research should specifically ask about injunctive norms as well as determine if descriptive and injunctive norms influence actual e-cigarette use behaviors among military personnel.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinsey Pebley
- Department of Psychology, University of Memphis, 400 Innovation Drive, Memphis, TN 38152
| | - Rebecca A Krukowski
- Department of Preventive Medicine, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, 66 North Pauline Street, Memphis, TN 38163
| | - Kathleen Porter
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908
| | - Melissa A Little
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908.,Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, 59 MDW/59 SGOWMP, 1100 Wilford Hall Loop, Bldg 4554, Joint Base Lackland AFB, TX 78236
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Little MA, Fahey MC, Klesges RC, McMurry T, Talcott GW. Evaluating the Effects of a Brief Tobacco Intervention in the US Air Force. Nicotine Tob Res 2020; 22:1569-1577. [PMID: 31903494 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntaa001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Accepted: 01/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Military personnel have among the highest rates of tobacco use in the United States. Unfortunately, there are few interventions aimed at reducing tobacco use among this vulnerable population. The current study addresses this need by evaluating the short-term effectiveness of a Brief Tobacco Intervention (BTI), a 40-min group-based intervention designed to reduce contemporary patterns of tobacco use among a sample of US military enlistees during an 11-week period of involuntary tobacco abstinence. AIMS AND METHODS Participants were 2999 US Air Force Technical Trainees at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas from April 2017 through January 2018. Participants were cluster randomized to three conditions: (1) BTI + Airman's Guide to Remaining Tobacco Free (AG), (2) AG intervention, or (3) standard smoking cessation intervention. The primary analysis was a comparison of the interventions' efficacies in preventing tobacco use during Technical Training, conducted using a generalized estimating equations logistic regression model controlling for covariates. Multiple imputation was used to account for loss to follow-up. RESULTS There was not a significant difference by condition in the use of tobacco products at follow-up (p = .454). The BTI + AG condition did produce short-term changes in perceived harm, intentions to use tobacco, knowledge about tobacco products, and normative beliefs. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that while the intervention was effective in the short term, it was not potent enough over a 12-week period to prevent Airmen from initiating tobacco use. Future studies should examine whether adding a booster session or media campaign enhances the effectiveness of the intervention. IMPLICATIONS Despite the fact that most Airmen believe they will remain tobacco free following the ban in Technical Training, a large percentage of these Airmen resume and initiate tobacco use during this high-risk period. As a result, there is a need for interventions targeting the range of tobacco available to military trainees during a teachable moment when they report intentions to remain tobacco free. The current study shows that a BTI has promise in reducing long-term tobacco use, when coupled with additional interventions, such as a booster session or a media campaign.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Little
- Center for Addiction and Prevention Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.,Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, TX
| | | | - Robert C Klesges
- Center for Addiction and Prevention Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Timothy McMurry
- Center for Addiction and Prevention Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Gerald W Talcott
- Center for Addiction and Prevention Research, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA.,Wilford Hall Ambulatory Surgical Center, Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland AFB, TX
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