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Burris JL, Feather AR, Pilehvari A, Cooper S, Ashcraft AM, Anderson R, Ferketich A. Appalachian Primary Care Patients' Quit Readiness and Tobacco Treatment Receipt. Am J Prev Med 2024:S0749-3797(24)00333-7. [PMID: 39343324 DOI: 10.1016/j.amepre.2024.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2024] [Revised: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 09/23/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Healthcare providers should facilitate smoking cessation, and primary care is an ideal setting for delivering this evidence-based care. This study's objective was to describe readiness to quit smoking combustible cigarettes among adult Appalachian primary care patients and determine their providers' implementation of an established tobacco treatment model. METHODS As part of a randomized clinical trial, 298 providers in 10 health systems across four states received tobacco treatment training. Periodically between January 2022 and June 2023, anonymous surveys were distributed to patients after primary care visits. The survey included questions about demographics, visit type, smoking status, readiness to quit, and provider behavior related to tobacco treatment implementation. In 2023, descriptive statistics, bivariate tests and logistic regression models were conducted. RESULTS Among 1,242 survey respondents, 34.1% reported current smoking. Among those who reported current smoking, 13.9% expressed readiness to quit within the next 30 days and 15.3% reported readiness in 1-6 months while 36.7% indicated "never" wanting to quit. Nearly all providers asked respondents about smoking status (96.9%) and advised them to quit (89.8%); fewer providers engaged in cessation assistance by discussing behavioral counseling, discussing medication options, and/or prescribing medication (25.1-64.6% across behaviors). Provider behavior was most consistently associated with patient age and visit type. CONCLUSIONS Nearly one-third of Appalachian patients who smoke reported readiness to quit within 6 months and nearly all received advice to quit from their provider. Patients would benefit from more intensive tobacco treatment delivery in primary care settings, with a focus on assisting with quit attempts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica L Burris
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA.
| | - Abigayle R Feather
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Asal Pilehvari
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Sarah Cooper
- Division of Health Behavior and Health Promotion, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Amie M Ashcraft
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, West Virginia, USA
| | - Roger Anderson
- University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA; Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Amy Ferketich
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio, USA; The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, Ohio, USA
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Pilehvari A, Krukowski RA, You W, Wiseman KP, Wester AG, Cohn WF, Anderson RT, Little MA. Unveiling rural and Appalachian disparities in cigarette smoking through the social vulnerability index and other county-level characteristics. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 39031708 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 06/06/2024] [Indexed: 07/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Mitigating tobacco-related disparities in the Appalachian region and rural areas is crucial. This study seeks to gauge cigarette smoking prevalence in Virginia counties, uncover rurality and Appalachian-linked disparities, and explore local drivers of these gaps. METHOD A 2011-2019 Virginia BRFSS data were used to estimate county-level cigarette smoking rates in adults aged 18 or older. Counties were categorized as urban/rural and Appalachian/non-Appalachian, with a focus on rural-Appalachian. Disparities in cigarette smoking rates and associated factors were analyzed via the Blinder-Oaxaca decomposition method. The study assessed 4 dimensions of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's social vulnerability index (SVI): socioeconomic, minority status, household composition, and housing. Additionally, county-specific factors such as tobacco agriculture, physician availability, coal mining, and tobacco retailer density were examined. FINDINGS Rural areas exhibited a 6.18% higher cigarette smoking prevalence compared to urban areas (P<.001). SVI dimensions accounted for 53.2% of the disparity, county features explained 16.4%, and 30.4% remained unexplained. Appalachian areas had a 6.79% higher cigarette smoking prevalence than non-Appalachian areas (P<.001). SVI dimensions explained 51.4% of the disparity, county features accounted for 21.8%, leaving 26.8% unexplained. Rural-Appalachian areas showed a 7.8% higher cigarette smoking prevalence (P<.001). SVI dimensions contributed to 51.7% of the disparity, county features explained 9.6%, and 38.7% remained unexplained. CONCLUSIONS Substantial disparities in cigarette smoking prevalence exist in underserved areas of Virginia, including rural, Appalachian, and rural-Appalachian regions. While SVI dimensions, physician availability, tobacco agriculture, and coal mining contribute, yet notable gaps remain unexplained. Targeted interventions must tackle unique challenges in disadvantaged areas to reduce smoking and promote health equity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Pilehvari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Rebecca A Krukowski
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Wen You
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Kara P Wiseman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Abigail G Wester
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Wendy F Cohn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Roger T Anderson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Melissa A Little
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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Wiese LK, Williams IC, Holt JK, Williams CL, Lingler J, Galvin JE, Schoenberg NE. Testing the 'Faith Moves Mountains model' to increase Alzheimer's disease awareness, detection, and diagnosis among rural, racially, and ethnically diverse older adults. Aging Ment Health 2024; 28:943-956. [PMID: 38127408 PMCID: PMC11144567 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2023.2294062] [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] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Racially and ethnically diverse populations have recently contributed to the majority of rural and small-town growth. Consequently, the disproportionately high risk and prevalence of Alzheimer's disease and related dementias (ADRD) among rural and minoritized older residents will likely increase. To address this threat, we tested the hypotheses that (1) a faith-based, resident-led approach would increase basic ADRD knowledge and diagnosis, and (2) older age, female gender, lower educational levels, and more years lived rural would predict number of referrals, new dementia diagnoses, and treatment. METHODS An adaptation of Schoenberg's Faith Moves Mountains model, previously successful in detection and management of other chronic illnesses in rural settings, guided this community-based participatory research. Local faith community members were trained as research assistants to recruit, administer surveys, conduct brief memory assessments, teach brain health strategies, and follow-up with residents. Outreaches were offered virtually during the pandemic, then in-person monthly at rotating church sites, and repeated ∼1 year later. RESULTS This rural sample was racially and ethnically diverse (74.5% non-White), with 28% reporting eight or less years of formal education. Findings included that referrals and years lived rural were significant and positive predictors of new ADRD treatments [(b = 3.74, χ2(1, n = 235) = 13.01, p < 0.001); (b = 0.02, χ2(1, n = 235 = 3.93, p = 0.048)], respectively, regardless of participant characteristics. CONCLUSION Resident-led action research in rural, diverse, faith communities is a successful approach to increasing ADRD disease knowledge, detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Kirk Wiese
- C. E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
| | - Ishan C Williams
- University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Janet K Holt
- C. E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, FL, USA
- Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, IL, USA
| | | | - Jennifer Lingler
- School of Nursing, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James E Galvin
- Comprehensive Center for Brain Health, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Boca Raton, FL, USA
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Pilehvari A, Krukowski RA, Wiseman KP, Little MA. Tobacco Quitline utilization compared with cigarette smoking prevalence in Virginia across rurality and Appalachian Status, 2011-2019. Prev Med Rep 2024; 42:102716. [PMID: 38707246 PMCID: PMC11066663 DOI: 10.1016/j.pmedr.2024.102716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction While cigarette smoking rates have declined, rural and Appalachian populations in the United States have not seen similar decreases. Quitline programs are promising strategies in reducing disparities in these areas, but research on their usage is limited. Methods We employed Small Area Estimation on the Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System (2011-2019) to estimate county-level smoking prevalence and utilized The Quit Now Virginia Quitline data (2011-2019) to estimate Quitline users. We analyzed differences in Quitline utilization by rurality and Appalachian status using statistical t-tests. Stepwise regression assessed the absolute estimate of county features, including poverty rate, tobacco retailer density, physician availability, coal mining industry, and tobacco agriculture, on Quitline usage. Results While the average smoking rate overall was 15.3 %, only 7.4 % of smokers accessed Quitline services from 2011 to 2019. Appalachian regions exhibited higher smoking rates (20.9 %) and lower quitline usage (4.8 %) compared to non-Appalachian areas (14 % smoking prevalence, 8 % quitline usage). Rural regions had higher smoking prevalence (19.0 %) than urban areas (12.9 %), but no significant difference in Quitline utilization (7.6 % vs. 7.2 %, p = 0.7). Stepwise regression revealed counties with more tobacco agriculture had 3.2 % (p = 0.04) lower Quitline utilization. Also, more physicians availability in the county was associated with 3.9 % higher Quitline usage (p = 0.03) and Appalachian counties exhibited a 3.6 % lower Quitline usage rate compared to non-Appalachian counties. Conclusion A significant gap exists between cigarette smoking prevalence and Quitline utilization, particularly in underserved rural and Appalachian areas, despite no clear barriers to accessing this remote cessation resource. Implication The study underscores persistent disparities in smoking rates, with rural and Appalachian regions in the United States facing higher smoking prevalence and limited utilization of Quitline services. Despite no clear barriers to access, the gap between smoking prevalence and Quitline usage remains significant, particularly in underserved areas. Tailoring interventions to address regional disparities and factors like tobacco agriculture and physician availability is essential to reduce smoking rates and improve Quitline utilization in these communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Pilehvari
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca Anne Krukowski
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kara Philips Wiseman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Melissa Ashley Little
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- UVA Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Hahn EJ, Bucher A, Rademacher K, Beckett W, Taylor L, Darville A, Ickes MJ. Tobacco use disparities in rural communities. J Rural Health 2024. [PMID: 38602299 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2023] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE This exploratory study described facilitators and barriers to reducing tobacco disparities in 2 small rural communities and identified ways to reduce tobacco use. METHODS This was a descriptive design using qualitative methods. We created a resource database for 2 rural Kentucky counties, using a Culture of Health Framework. We recruited 16 organizational stakeholders serving low-socioeconomic populations and conducted focus groups and key informant interviews. We also completed key informant interviews with 7 tobacco users. Lastly, we tailored Community Action Plans for each county based on the data and then solicited feedback from the key stakeholders. FINDINGS The 2 counties were similar in population size, but County A had fewer resources than County B, and the stakeholders expressed differences toward tobacco use and quitting. County A stakeholders talked most about the protobacco culture and that tobacco users accept the risks of smoking outweighing the benefits of quitting; they also expressed concerns about youth use and the influences of family, society, and industry. County B stakeholders described ambivalence about the health effects of use and quitting. County A's Action Plan identified an opportunity to build Community Health Worker-delivered tobacco treatment into a new school-based health center. County B's Action Plan focused on reaching tobacco users by providing incentives for participation and tailoring messages to different audiences. CONCLUSIONS Tobacco control resources and stakeholder perspectives vary in small rural communities, implying a need for tailored approaches. Tobacco users in rural areas are a critical population to target with cessation resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen J Hahn
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Amanda Bucher
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Kathy Rademacher
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Whitney Beckett
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - LeeAnn Taylor
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Audrey Darville
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Melinda J Ickes
- BREATHE, College of Nursing, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Kinesiology & Health Promotion, College of Education, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Keller-Hamilton B, Alalwan MA, Curran H, Hinton A, Long L, Chrzan K, Wagener TL, Atkinson L, Suraapaneni S, Mays D. Evaluating the effects of nicotine concentration on the appeal and nicotine delivery of oral nicotine pouches among rural and Appalachian adults who smoke cigarettes: A randomized cross-over study. Addiction 2024; 119:464-475. [PMID: 37964431 PMCID: PMC10872395 DOI: 10.1111/add.16355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) probably offer reduced harm compared with cigarettes, but independent data concerning their misuse liability are lacking. We compared nicotine delivery and craving relief from ONPs with different nicotine concentrations to cigarettes. DESIGN This was a single-blind, three-visit (≥ 48-hour washout), randomized-cross-over study. Participants were encouraged to complete all study visits in less than 1 month. SETTING The study took place in Rural/Appalachian Ohio. PARTICIPANTS Participants comprised 30 adults who smoke cigarettes. Participants (meanage = 34.5) were 60% men and 90% White. INTERVENTION Participants who were ≥ 12-hour tobacco-abstinent used: (1) a 3-mg nicotine concentration ONP, (2) a 6-mg nicotine concentration ONP and (3) usual brand cigarette in separate visits. ONPs (wintergreen Zyn) were used for 30 minutes; cigarettes were puffed every 30 sec for 5 minutes. MEASUREMENTS Plasma nicotine and self-reported craving were assessed at t = 0, 5, 15, 30, 60 and 90 minutes. The primary outcome was plasma nicotine concentration at t = 30 minutes. A secondary outcome was craving relief at t = 5 minutes. FINDINGS At t = 30, mean [95% confidence interval (CI)] plasma nicotine was 9.5 ng/ml (95% CI = 7.1, 11.9 ng/ml) for the 3 mg nicotine ONP, 17.5 ng/ml (95% CI = 13.7, 21.3) for the 6 mg nicotine ONP and 11.4 ng/ml (95% CI = 9.2, 13.6 ng/ml) for the cigarette. Mean plasma nicotine at t = 30 minutes differed between the 3- and 6-mg nicotine ONPs (P = 0.001) and between the 6-mg nicotine ONP and cigarette (P = 0.002). Mean (95% CI) craving at t = 5 minutes was lower for the cigarette (mean = 1.00, 95% CI = 0.61, 1.39) than either the 3 mg (mean = 2.25, 95% CI = 1.68, 2.82; P < 0.0001) or 6 mg nicotine (mean = 2.19, 95% CI = 1.60, 2.79; P < 0.0001) ONP. CONCLUSIONS Among adult smokers, using 6-mg nicotine concentration oral nicotine pouches (ONPs) was associated with greater plasma nicotine delivery at 30 minutes than 3-mg ONPs or cigarettes, but neither ONP relieved craving symptoms at 5 minutes as strongly as a cigarette. Accelerating the speed of nicotine delivery in ONPs might increase their misuse liability relative to cigarettes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brittney Keller-Hamilton
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mahmood A. Alalwan
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hayley Curran
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alice Hinton
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lauren Long
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kirsten Chrzan
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Theodore L. Wagener
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Leanne Atkinson
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Public Health, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Sriya Suraapaneni
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Darren Mays
- The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- Center for Tobacco Research, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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Little MA, Reid T, Moncrief M, Cohn W, Wiseman KP, Wood CH, You W, Anderson RT, Krukowski RA. Testing the feasibility of the QuitAid smoking cessation intervention in a randomized factorial design in an independent, rural community pharmacy. Pilot Feasibility Stud 2024; 10:41. [PMID: 38409089 PMCID: PMC10895740 DOI: 10.1186/s40814-024-01465-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adult smoking rates in the USA are highest in economically depressed rural Appalachia. Pharmacist-delivered tobacco cessation support that incorporates medication therapy management (such as the QuitAid intervention) is a promising approach to address this need. METHODS Twenty-four adult smokers recruited between September and November 2021 through an independent pharmacy in rural Appalachia were randomized in a non-blinded 2 × 2 × 2 factorial design to (1) pharmacist delivered QuitAid intervention (yes vs. no); (2) combination nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gum + NRT patch (vs. NRT patch); and/or (3) 8 weeks of NRT (vs. standard 4 weeks). Participants received 4 weeks of NRT patch in addition to the components to which they were assigned. Participants completed baseline and 3-month follow-up assessments. Primary outcomes were feasibility of recruitment and randomization, retention, treatment adherence, and fidelity. RESULTS Participants were recruited in 7 weeks primarily through a referral process, commonly referred to as ask-advise-connect (61%). Participants were on average 52.4 years old, 29.2% were male and the majority were white (91.6%) and Non-Hispanic (91.7%). There was a high level of adherence to the interventions, with 85% of QuitAid sessions completed, 83.3% of the patch used, and 54.5% of gum used. Participants reported a high level of satisfaction with the program, and there was a high level of retention (92%). CONCLUSIONS This demonstration pilot randomized controlled study indicates that an ask-advise-connect model for connecting rural smokers to smoking cessation support and providing QuitAid for smoking cessation is feasible and acceptable among rural Appalachian smokers and independent pharmacists. Further investigation into the efficacy of a pharmacist-delivered approach for smoking cessation is needed. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was retrospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov. Trial #: NCT05649241.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Little
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA.
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
| | - Taylor Reid
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Matthew Moncrief
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
| | - Wendy Cohn
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kara P Wiseman
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Wen You
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Roger T Anderson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Rebecca A Krukowski
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, School of Medicine, PO Box 800765, Charlottesville, VA, 22908-0765, USA
- Cancer Control and Population Health, University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Hudson L, Burus T, Park L, Huang B, Hull PC, Vanderford NL. Cancer disparities in Appalachian Kentucky. J Rural Health 2024; 40:87-95. [PMID: 37095596 PMCID: PMC10593907 DOI: 10.1111/jrh.12763] [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: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/13/2023] [Indexed: 04/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Cancer is the second leading cause of death in the United States, and the disease burden is elevated in Appalachian Kentucky, due in part to health behaviors and inequities in social determinants of health. This study's goal was to evaluate Appalachian Kentucky's cancer burden compared to non-Appalachian Kentucky, and Kentucky compared to the United States (excluding Kentucky). METHODS The following data were analyzed: annual all-cause and all-site cancer mortality rates from 1968 to 2018; 5-year all-site and site-specific cancer incidence and mortality rates from 2014 to 2018; aggregated screening and risk factor data from 2016 to 2018 for the United States (excluding Kentucky), Kentucky, non-Appalachian Kentucky, and Appalachian Kentucky; and human papilloma virus vaccination prevalence by sex from 2018 for the United States and Kentucky. FINDINGS Since 1968, the United States has experienced a large decrease in all-cause and cancer mortality, but the reduction in Kentucky has been smaller and slower, driven by even smaller and slower reductions within Appalachian Kentucky. Appalachian Kentucky has higher overall cancer incidence and mortality rates and higher rates for several site-specific cancers compared to non-Appalachian Kentucky. Contributing factors include screening rate disparities and increased rates of obesity and smoking. CONCLUSIONS Appalachian Kentucky has experienced persistent cancer disparities, including elevated all-cause and cancer mortality rates for 50+ years, widening the gap between this region and the rest of the country. In addition to addressing social determinants of health, increased efforts aimed at improving health behaviors and increased access to health care resources could help reduce this disparity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Hudson
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Todd Burus
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Lee Park
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts & Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Bin Huang
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Division of Cancer Biostatistics, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Kentucky Cancer Registry, Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Pamela C. Hull
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Nathan L. Vanderford
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
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Hudson-Rose L, Weiss LT, Vanderford NL. Impact of a Cancer Education Curriculum on Appalachian Kentucky Middle and High School Students. JOURNAL OF CANCER EDUCATION : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR CANCER EDUCATION 2023; 38:1887-1893. [PMID: 37572197 PMCID: PMC10841156 DOI: 10.1007/s13187-023-02354-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/14/2023]
Abstract
Appalachian Kentucky is disproportionately affected by elevated cancer incidence and mortality rates. This disparity is driven by inequities in health behaviors and social determinants of health including decreased education attainment levels that cause lower health literacy. To increase cancer literacy in the region, a three-part cancer education curriculum was designed for Appalachian Kentucky middle and high school students. This study was designed to evaluate the effect the curriculum had on students' cancer literacy. The curriculum lessons were disseminated to Appalachian Kentucky middle and high school teachers who engaged 223 students with the material. For each lesson, students filled out a 10-question pretest and an identical 10-question posttest. The average and median percent of correct responses from the pre- to posttests were analyzed. The average percentage of correct responses significantly increased from 40% to 70%, 52% to 69%, and 33% to 53% on lessons 1, 2, and 3, respectively. A significant increase in the average percentage of correct responses on each individual question was also observed. The results demonstrate that the three-part cancer education curriculum intervention can significantly increase Appalachian Kentucky middle and high school students' cancer literacy. Increased cancer knowledge has the potential to encourage behavioral modifications that could reduce cancer incidence and mortality rates over time. Future work will include further improving the content relative to the target age/grade level and implementing the material with a broader group of teachers and students.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - L Todd Weiss
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Nathan L Vanderford
- College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA.
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Fahey MC, Krukowski RA, Anderson RT, Cohn WF, Porter KJ, Reid T, Wiseman KP, You W, Wood CH, Rucker TW, Little MA. Reaching adults who smoke cigarettes in rural Appalachia: Rationale, design & analysis plan for a mixed-methods study disseminating pharmacy-delivered cessation treatment. Contemp Clin Trials 2023; 134:107335. [PMID: 37730197 PMCID: PMC10841546 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2023.107335] [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: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Unlike other U.S. geographical regions, cigarette smoking prevalence remains stagnant in rural Appalachia. One avenue for reaching rural residents with evidence-based smoking cessation treatments could be utilizing community pharmacists. This paper describes the design, rationale, and analysis plan for a mixed-method study that will determine combinations of cessation treatment components that can be integrated within community pharmacies in rural Appalachia. The aim is to quantify the individual and synergistic effects of five highly disseminable and sustainable cessation components in a factorial experiment. METHODS This sequential, mixed-method research design, based on the RE-AIM (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance) framework, will use a randomized controlled trial with a 25 fully crossed factorial design (32 treatment combinations) to test, alone and in combination, the most effective evidence-based cessation components: (1) QuitAid (yes vs. no) (2) tobacco quit line (yes vs. no) (3) SmokefreeTXT (yes vs. no) (4) combination NRT lozenge + NRT patch (vs. NRT patch alone), and (5) eight weeks of NRT (vs. standard four weeks). RESULTS Logistic regression will model abstinence at six-months, including indicators for the five treatment factors and all two-way interactions between the treatment factors. Demographic and smoking history variables will be considered to assess potential effect modification. Poisson regression will model quit attempts and percent of adherence to treatment components as secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION This study will provide foundational evidence on how community pharmacies in medically underserved, rural regions can be leveraged to increase utilization of existing evidence-based tobacco cessation resources for treating tobacco dependence. CLINICAL TRIALS NCT05660525.
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Affiliation(s)
- M C Fahey
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - R A Krukowski
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - R T Anderson
- University of Virginia, School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - W F Cohn
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - K J Porter
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - T Reid
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - K P Wiseman
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - W You
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - C H Wood
- My Pharmacy, Greensboro, NC, USA
| | - T W Rucker
- University of Virginia, Health Systems, Nellysford, VA, USA
| | - M A Little
- University of Virginia, Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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Burruss CP, Sharrer C, Porterfield JZ, Kejner AE. Extranodal Extension Improves AJCC-8 Accuracy in HPV+ Oropharyngeal Cancer in a High-Risk Population. Laryngoscope 2023; 133:2621-2626. [PMID: 36655591 PMCID: PMC11253244 DOI: 10.1002/lary.30572] [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: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 11/27/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The American Joint Committee on Cancer's 8th edition (AJCC-8) separates oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinomas (OPSCCs) into human papillomavirus-positive (HPV+) tumors and HPV-negative tumors. Although AJCC-8 improves prognostic prediction for survival for the majority of HPV+ OPSCC, outliers are still encountered. The goal of this manuscript is to validate the AJCC-8 as a better metric of survivability than the AJCC-7 in an historically under-served rural population with confounding variables, such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and poor health care access and to analyze the role of extranodal extension (ENE) in this population. DESIGN Retrospective cohort study. RESULTS Compared to AJCC-7, AJCC-8 had a higher odds ratio (OR) for predicting mortality of stage IV HPV+ OPSCCs versus stages I-III. On multivariate analysis, HPV+ OPSCCs with ENE had a higher OR of mortality compared to ENE- OPSCCs. In addition, HPV+ OPSCC patients with a Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) > 3 had a higher OR of mortality compared to those with a CCI ≤ 3. Patients with Medicaid/self-pay status had a higher OR of mortality compared to those with private insurance/Medicare. Finally, patients from rural populations had a higher OR of presenting with stage IV disease, a CCI > 3, and Medicaid/self-pay status. CONCLUSIONS Despite not being a discrete part of the AJCC-8 staging rubric, ENE was found to have a significant impact on mortality among this population, whereas tobacco use had no effect. Rural patients were more likely to present with stage IV disease, CCI > 3, and Medicaid/self-pay status. Stage IV disease was also associated with a higher OR of mortality. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 4 Laryngoscope, 133:2621-2626, 2023.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - J. Zachary Porterfield
- University of Kentucky, Department of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
- University of KwaZulu-Natal, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Durban, South Africa
| | - Alexandra Eva Kejner
- Medical University of South Carolina, Department of Otolaryngology, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
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Trigg J, Skelton E, Lum A, Guillaumier A, McCarter K, Handley T, Judd L, Lye A, Bonevski B. Smoking Cessation Interventions and Abstinence Outcomes for People Living in Rural, Regional, and Remote Areas of Three High-Income Countries: A Systematic Review. Nicotine Tob Res 2023; 25:1709-1718. [PMID: 37338988 PMCID: PMC10475608 DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntad098] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2022] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 06/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Tobacco smoking rates in high-income countries are greater in rural, regional, and remote (RRR) areas compared to cities. Yet, there is limited knowledge about interventions targeted to RRR smokers. This review describes the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for RRR smokers in supporting smoking abstinence. AIMS AND METHODS Seven academic databases were searched (inception-June 2022) for smoking cessation intervention studies to include if they reported on RRR residents of Australia, Canada, or the United States, and short- (<6 months) or long-term (≥6 months) smoking abstinence outcomes. Two researchers assessed study quality, and narratively summarized findings. RESULTS Included studies (n = 26) were primarily randomized control (12) or pre-post (7) designs, from the United States (16) or Australia (8). Five systems change interventions were included. Interventions included cessation education or brief advice, and few included nicotine monotherapies, cessation counseling, motivational interviewing, or cognitive behavioral therapy. Interventions had limited short-term effects on RRR smoking abstinence, decreasing markedly beyond 6 months. Short-term abstinence was best supported by contingency, incentive, and online cessation interventions, and long-term abstinence by pharmacotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Cessation interventions for RRR smokers should include pharmacotherapy and psychological cessation counseling to establish short-term abstinence, and identify effective means of maintaining abstinence beyond 6 months. Contingency designs are a suitable vehicle for psychological and pharmacotherapy support for RRR people who smoke, and intervention tailoring should be explicitly considered. IMPLICATIONS Smoking disproportionately harms RRR residents, who can encounter access barriers to smoking cessation support. High-quality intervention evidence and outcome standardization are still required to support long-term RRR smoking abstinence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua Trigg
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Eliza Skelton
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alistair Lum
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Ashleigh Guillaumier
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Kristen McCarter
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Tonelle Handley
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Lucy Judd
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Alexie Lye
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW, Australia
| | - Billie Bonevski
- Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Flunker JC, Sanderson WT, Christian WJ, Mannino DM, Browning SR. Environmental exposures and pulmonary function among adult residents of rural Appalachian Kentucky. JOURNAL OF EXPOSURE SCIENCE & ENVIRONMENTAL EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023:10.1038/s41370-023-00584-4. [PMID: 37644126 DOI: 10.1038/s41370-023-00584-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Estimated residential exposures of adults to roadway density and several metrics of resource extraction, including coal mining and oil and gas drilling, were hypothesized to contribute to the prevalence of respiratory disease in rural Appalachia. OBJECTIVE Determine how small-area geographic variation in residential environmental exposures impacts measures of pulmonary function among adults in a community-based study. METHODS We examined associations between residential environmental respiratory exposures and pulmonary function among 827 adult participants of the "The Mountain Air Project", a community-based, cross-sectional study in Southeastern Kentucky during 2016-2018. Exposures characterized the density of roadways, oil/gas wells, or current/past surface and underground coal mining at the level of 14-digit hydrologic unit code (HUC), or valley "hollow" where participants resided. Each participant completed an in-person interview to obtain extensive background data on risk factors, health history, and occupational and environmental exposures, as well as a spirometry test administered by experienced study staff at their place of residence. Multivariable linear regression was used to model the adjusted association between each environmental exposure and percent predicted forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1PP) and forced vital capacity (FVCPP). RESULTS Adjusted regression models indicate persons living in HUCs with the highest level of roadway density experienced a reduction in both FEV1PP (-4.3: 95% CI: -7.44 -1.15;) and FVCPP (-3.8: 95% CI: -6.38, -1.21) versus persons in HUCs with the lowest roadway density. No associations were detected between the metrics associated with mining and oil and gas operations and individual pulmonary function. IMPACT STATEMENT Our work demonstrates the potential adverse impact of roadway-related exposures on the respiratory health of rural Appalachia residents. We employed a novel method of small-area exposure classification based on the hydrologic unit code (HUC), representing potential exposure levels per hollow occurring in proximity to the residence, and controlled for individual-level risk factors for reduced respiratory health. We highlight an overlooked yet ubiquitous source of residential exposure from motor vehicles that may contribute to the regionally high prevalence of respiratory disease in rural Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- John C Flunker
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington School of Public Health, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Wayne T Sanderson
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Food, and the Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - W Jay Christian
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - David M Mannino
- Department of Pulmonology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Steven R Browning
- Department of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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Ávila-Burgos L, Guzmán-Saldaña R, Márquez-Corona MDL, Pontigo-Loyola AP, Márquez-Rodríguez S, Mora-Acosta M, Acuña-González GR, Hernández-Morales A, Medina-Solís CE. Socioeconomic Inequalities in Alcohol and Tobacco Consumption: A National Ecological Study in Mexican Adolescents. ScientificWorldJournal 2023; 2023:3604004. [PMID: 37434965 PMCID: PMC10332929 DOI: 10.1155/2023/3604004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcohol and cigarettes are the psychoactive substances that adolescents use most frequently. When both addictions are combined, they carry the worst burden of disease globally. The objective of this study was to identify whether socioeconomic factors correlate with alcohol and tobacco consumption in Mexican adolescents aged 10 years or more and to establish the relationship in the consumption between the two substances. This ecological study utilized data describing alcohol and tobacco consumption among adolescents aged 10-16 years (n = 48,837 ≈ N = 11,621,100). Having ever consumed any alcohol-containing beverage constituted alcohol consumption. Smoking a cigarette within 30 days constituted cigarette consumption. For both variables, the state-level percentages reported in the survey were used. Diverse socioeconomic variables were collected from official sources. Data on the prevalence of tobacco use and alcohol consumption were entered into an Excel database estimated for each of the states of the Mexican Republic, as well as the socioeconomic variables. We performed the analysis using Stata 14. Consumption prevalence was 15.0% for alcohol and 4.2% for tobacco. Alcohol consumption was not correlated with any studied socioeconomic variable (p > 0.05). The prevalence of tobacco consumption among elementary school students correlated (p < 0.05) with the portion of the population living in private dwellings without sewage, drainage, or sanitation (r = 0.3853). The prevalence of tobacco consumption among middle-school adolescents correlated with the portion of the employed population that earned up to two minimum wages (r = 0.3960), the percentage in poverty by income 2008 (r = 0.4754) and 2010 (r = 0.4531), and the percentage in extreme poverty by income 2008 (r = 0.4612) and 2010 (r = 0.4291). Positive correlations were found between tobacco consumption and alcohol consumption among both elementary (r = 0.5762, p=0.0006) and middle-school children (r = 0.7016, p=0.0000). These results suggest that certain socioeconomic factors correlate with tobacco consumption but not alcohol consumption. A correlation between alcohol consumption and tobacco consumption was observed. The results can be used for developing interventions in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leticia Ávila-Burgos
- Health Systems Research Center, The National Institute of Public Health, Cuernavaca, Mexico
| | - Rebeca Guzmán-Saldaña
- Academic Area of Psychology, Health Sciences Institute, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Sonia Márquez-Rodríguez
- Academic Area of Dentistry, Health Sciences Institute, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca, Mexico
| | - Mariana Mora-Acosta
- Academic Area of Dentistry, Health Sciences Institute, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca, Mexico
| | | | | | - Carlo Eduardo Medina-Solís
- Academic Area of Dentistry, Health Sciences Institute, Autonomous University of Hidalgo State, Pachuca, Mexico
- Advanced Studies and Research Center in Dentistry “Keisaburo Miyata”, School of Dentistry, Autonomous University of State of Mexico, Toluca, Mexico
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15
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Pilehvari A, You W, Krukowski RA, Little MA. Examining Smoking Prevalence Disparities in Virginia Counties by Rurality, Appalachian Status, and Social Vulnerability, 2011-2019. Am J Public Health 2023; 113:811-814. [PMID: 37141556 PMCID: PMC10262253 DOI: 10.2105/ajph.2023.307298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Objectives. To estimate county-level cigarette smoking prevalence in Virginia and examine cigarette use disparities by rurality, Appalachian status, and county-level social vulnerability. Methods. We used 2011-2019 Virginia Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System proprietary data with geographical information to estimate county-level cigarette smoking prevalence using small area estimation. We used the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's social vulnerability index to quantify social vulnerability. We used the 2-sample statistical t test to determine the differences in cigarette smoking prevalence and social vulnerability between counties by rurality and Appalachian status. Results. The absolute difference in smoking prevalence was 6.16 percentage points higher in rural versus urban counties and 7.52 percentage points higher in Appalachian versus non-Appalachian counties in Virginia (P < .001). Adjusting for county characteristics, a higher social vulnerability index is associated with increased cigarette use. Rural Appalachian counties had 7.41% higher cigarette use rates than did urban non-Appalachian areas. Tobacco agriculture and a shortage of health care providers were significantly associated with higher cigarette use prevalence. Conclusions. Rural Appalachia and socially vulnerable counties in Virginia have alarmingly high rates of cigarette use. Implementation of targeted intervention strategies could reduce cigarette use, ultimately reducing tobacco-related health disparities. (Am J Public Health. 2023;113(7):811-814. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2023.307298).
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Affiliation(s)
- Asal Pilehvari
- All authors are with the Department of Public Health Science, University of Virginia, and University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
| | - Wen You
- All authors are with the Department of Public Health Science, University of Virginia, and University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
| | - Rebecca A Krukowski
- All authors are with the Department of Public Health Science, University of Virginia, and University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
| | - Melissa A Little
- All authors are with the Department of Public Health Science, University of Virginia, and University of Virginia Comprehensive Cancer Center, Charlottesville
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Sangani RG, Deepak V, Anwar J, Patel Z, Ghio AJ. Cigarette Smoking, and Blood Monocyte Count Correlate with Chronic Lung Injuries and Mortality. Int J Chron Obstruct Pulmon Dis 2023; 18:431-446. [PMID: 37034898 PMCID: PMC10076620 DOI: 10.2147/copd.s397667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cigarette smoking (CS)-related monocytosis contributes to the development of chronic lung injuries via complex mechanisms. We aim to determine correlations between measures of CS and monocytes, their capacities to predict chronic lung diseases, and their associations with mortality. Methods A single-center retrospective study of patients undergoing surgical resection for suspected lung nodules/masses was performed. CS was quantified as cigarettes smoked per day (CPD), duration of smoking, composite pack years (CPY), current smoking status, and smoking cessation years. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed. Results Of 382 eligible patients, 88% were ever smokers. In this group, 45% were current smokers with mean CPD of 27.2±40.0. CPY and duration of smoking showed positive linear correlations with percentage monocyte count. Physiologically, CPY was associated with progressive obstruction, hyperinflation, and reduced diffusion capacity (DLCO). Across the quartiles of smoking, there was an accumulation of radiologic and histologic abnormalities. Anthracosis and emphysema were associated with CPD, while lung cancer, respiratory bronchiolitis (RB), emphysema, and honeycombing were statistically related to duration of smoking. Analysis using consecutive CPY showed associations with lung cancer (≥10 and <30), fibrosis (≥20 and <40), RB (≥50), anthracosis and emphysema (≥10 and onwards). Percentage monocytes correlated with organizing pneumonia (OP), fibrosis, and emphysema. The greater CPY increased mortality across the groups. Significant predictors of mortality included percentage monocyte, anemia, GERD, and reduced DLCO. Conclusion Indices of CS and greater monocyte numbers were associated with endpoints of chronic lung disease suggesting a participation in pathogenesis. Application of these easily available metrics may support a chronology of CS-induced chronic lung injuries. While a relative lesser amount of smoking can be associated with lung cancer and fibrosis, greater CPY increases the risk for emphysema. Monocytosis predicted lung fibrosis and mortality. Duration of smoking may serve as a better marker of monocytosis and associated chronic lung diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rahul G Sangani
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Correspondence: Rahul G Sangani, Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, West Virginia University School of Medicine, 1 Medical Center Dr, PO BOX 9166, Morgantown, WV, 26506, USA, Tel +1 304 293-4661 option #2, Fax +1 304-293-3724, Email
| | - Vishal Deepak
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Javeria Anwar
- Section of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Zalak Patel
- Department of Radiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
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Christian WJ, Flunker J, May B, Westneat S, Sanderson WT, Schoenberg N, Browning SR. Adult asthma associated with roadway density and housing in rural Appalachia: the Mountain Air Project (MAP). Environ Health 2023; 22:28. [PMID: 36967398 PMCID: PMC10041800 DOI: 10.1186/s12940-023-00984-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Appalachian Kentucky is a rural area with a high prevalence of asthma among adults. The relative contribution of environmental exposures in the etiology of adult asthma in these populations has been understudied. OBJECTIVE This manuscript describes the aims, study design, methods, and characteristics of participants for the Mountain Air Project (MAP), and focuses on associations between small area environmental exposures, including roadways and mining operations, and lifetime and current asthma in adults. METHODS A cohort of residents, aged 21 and older, in two Kentucky counties, was enrolled in a community-based, cross-sectional study. Stratified cluster sampling was used to select small geographic areas denoted as 14-digit USGS hydrologic units (HUCs). Households were enumerated within selected HUCs. Community health workers collected in-person interviews. The proximity of nearby active and inactive coal mining operations, density of oil and gas operations, and density of roadways were characterized for all HUCs. Poisson regression analyses were used to estimate adjusted prevalence ratios. RESULTS From 1,459 eligible households contacted, 1,190 individuals were recruited, and 972 persons completed the interviews. The prevalence of lifetime asthma was 22.8%; current asthma was 16.3%. Adjusting for covariates, roadway density was positively associated with current asthma in the second (aPR = 1.61; 95% CI 1.04-2.48) and third tertiles (aPR = 2.00; 95% CI 1.32-3.03). Increased risk of current asthma was associated with residence in public, multi-unit housing (aPR = 2.01; 95% CI 1.27-3.18) compared to a residence in a single-family home. There were no notable associations between proximity to coal mining and oil and gas operations and asthma prevalence. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that residents in rural areas with higher roadway density and those residing in public housing units may be at increased risk for current asthma after accounting for other known risk factors. Confirming the role of traffic-related particulates in producing high asthma risk among adults in this study contributes to the understanding of the multiple environmental exposures that influence respiratory health in the Appalachia region.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Jay Christian
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - John Flunker
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Beverly May
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Susan Westneat
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Wayne T Sanderson
- Department of Biosystems and Agricultural Engineering, College of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Nancy Schoenberg
- Behavioral Science, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Steven R Browning
- Department of Epidemiology and Environmental Health, College of Public Health, The University of Kentucky, 111 Washington Ave, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA.
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Buchalter RB, Gentry EG, Willis MA, McGinley MP. Disparities in spatial access to neurological care in Appalachia: a cross-sectional health services analysis. LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. AMERICAS 2023; 18:100415. [PMID: 36844018 PMCID: PMC9950666 DOI: 10.1016/j.lana.2022.100415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Background Appalachia is rural and socioeconomically deprived with a heavy burden of neurological disorders and poor access to healthcare providers. Rates of neurological disorders are increasing over time without equal increases in providers, indicating that Appalachian disparities are likely to worsen. Spatial access to neurological care has not been robustly explored for U.S. areas, so we aimed to examine disparities in the vulnerable Appalachian region. Methods Using 2022 CMS Care Compare physician data, we conducted a cross-sectional health services analysis, where we computed spatial accessibility of neurologists for all census tracts in the 13 states with Appalachian counties. We stratified access ratios by state, area deprivation, and rural-urban commuting area (RUCA) codes then utilized Welch two-sample t-tests to compare Appalachian tracts with non-Appalachian tracts. Using stratified results, we identified Appalachian areas where interventions would have the largest impact. Findings Appalachian tracts (n = 6169) had neurologist spatial access ratios between 25% and 35% lower than non-Appalachian tracts (n = 18,441; p < 0.001). When stratified by rurality and deprivation, three-step floating catchment area spatial access ratios for Appalachian tracts remained significantly lower in the most urban (RUCA = 1 [p < 0.0001) and most rural tracts (RUCA = 9 [p = 0.0093]; RUCA = 10 [p = 0.0227]). We identified 937 Appalachian census tracts where interventions can be targeted. Interpretation After stratifying by rural status and deprivation, significant disparities in spatial access to neurologists remained for Appalachian areas, indicating both poorer access in Appalachia and that neurologist accessibility cannot be determined solely by remoteness and socioeconomic status. These findings and our identified disparity areas have broad implications for policymaking and intervention targeting in Appalachia. Funding R.B.B. was supported by NIH Award Number T32CA094186. M.P.M. was supported by NIH-NCATS Award Number KL2TR002547.
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Affiliation(s)
- R. Blake Buchalter
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Erik G. Gentry
- Department of Neurology, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Mary A. Willis
- Department of Neurology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Horn K, Schoenberg N, Rose S, Romm K, Berg CJ. Tobacco use among Appalachian adolescents: An urgent need for virtual scale out of effective interventions. Tob Prev Cessat 2022; 8:39. [PMID: 36404952 PMCID: PMC9635399 DOI: 10.18332/tpc/155331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Tobacco use, typically initiated during adolescence, can escalate into young adulthood, even among experimenting or intermittent users. Despite declines in cigarette smoking among US adolescents, use of other tobacco products and poly-tobacco are on the rise among Appalachian adolescents. Unfortunately, Appalachian adolescent tobacco users also are less likely to receive effective tobacco interventions due to various barriers: a) accessibility (e.g. service and provider shortages, affordability, and transportation; b) acceptability (e.g. issues of privacy and stigma); and c) cultural relevance. The present review provides critical considerations synthesized from an extensive body of literature on the suitability of virtual tobacco interventions, the need for well-timed interventions that address complex tobacco use, and the rationale for leveraging and scaling evidence-based interventions inform novel interventions for Appalachian adolescent tobacco users. Borrowing strength from existing in-person evidence-based adolescent tobacco interventions and state-of-the-art virtual health services, a well-planned virtual scale out of tobacco interventions holds potential to minimize barriers unique to Appalachia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Horn
- Department of Population Health Sciences, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, United States
- Fralin Biomedical Research Institute, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, United States
| | - Nancy Schoenberg
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Shyanika Rose
- Center for Health Equity Transformation, University of Kentucky, Lexington, United States
| | - Katelyn Romm
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, United States
| | - Carla J. Berg
- Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, Washington, United States
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20
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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease and Social Determinants of Health: A Case of Marginalization in Rural Appalachia. J Hosp Palliat Nurs 2022; 24:281-287. [PMID: 35609263 DOI: 10.1097/njh.0000000000000885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease remains a challenging epidemic across the United States. This serious illness impacts nearly twice as many individuals in the rural area compared with urban counterparts. As the disease progresses, the symptom burden and needs of the patient and caregivers escalate. Access gaps to services, such as hospice and palliative care, and the social determinants of health found in Appalachia may lead to marginalization and social injustice. Defined as the condition of being peripheralized based upon one's social margins of identity, associations, and/or environment, marginalization impacts health outcomes and quality of life. This article explores the triple threat of marginalization for patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease living in rural Appalachia. By recognizing marginalization and designing initiatives to reduce the impact, hospice and palliative care nurses serve as advocates and leaders to influence systemic change through partnerships with key policymakers and legislators.
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21
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Clark C, Santarelli A, Merrill S, Ashurst J. Analysis of Smoking Behavior in Patients With Peritonsillar Abscess: A Rural Community Hospital's Experience. Cureus 2022; 14:e23300. [PMID: 35464569 PMCID: PMC9013514 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.23300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peritonsillar abscesses (PTA) are the most common deep space infection of the head and neck. They appear to have an association with a patient’s smoking history but data showing this relationship is sparse and controversial. Currently, no data on this association exists for those who seek care at a rural community emergency department (ED). Based upon the lack of data in this setting, the authors sought to determine the incidence, treatments, and outcomes between smokers and non-smokers with a PTA at a rural community ED. Methods A retrospective chart review of all patients undergoing a soft tissue neck computed tomography (CT) scan with or without intravenous contrast was completed from September 25th, 2019 through October 4th, 2021. Patients with a previously diagnosed PTA and those diagnosed via another means (clinical, needle aspiration, etc.), or outside of the ED were excluded from the dataset. Abstracted data included demographics, treatments, and outcomes of each patient. The data were analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test for continuous data and the chi-square test for categorical data. Results During the study period, a total of 50 patients were diagnosed with a PTA via soft tissue neck CT. Of those diagnosed, the median age was 40.5 (25.5 - 53.3) years, 15 were female, 38 self-identified as white, and 27 noted a current smoking history. Smokers presented to ED earlier than non-smokers (2.0 vs 4.0 days; p=0.03), but no difference was noted in the size of PTA identified via CT (2.0 vs 1.5 cm; p=0.13). No difference among smokers and non-smokers was noted in corticosteroid therapy either administered in the ED (p = 0.53) or prescribed as an outpatient (p = 0.75), incision and drainage (p = 0.19), outpatient follow-up (p = 0.53), or resolution of the symptoms (p = 0.86). However, more patients in the non-smoking group had an unplanned return to the ED as compared to those who smoked (p=0.02). In those patients who were not discharged from the ED after initial presentation, four were admitted to the hospital and 11 were transferred to a higher level of care. Conclusion Although drawn from a limited sample from a single rural community ED, a positive smoking history was more common among patients with a PTA. While there was no statistically significant difference in the overall treatment, a difference was noted for unscheduled return visits to the ED in those without a history of smoking.
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22
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Patterson JG, Borger TN, Burris JL, Conaway M, Klesges R, Ashcraft A, Hauser L, Clark C, Wright L, Cooper S, Smith MC, Dignan M, Kennedy-Rea S, Paskett ED, Anderson R, Ferketich AK. A cluster randomized controlled trial for a multi-level, clinic-based smoking cessation program with women in Appalachian communities: study protocol for the "Break Free" program. Addict Sci Clin Pract 2022; 17:11. [PMID: 35164857 PMCID: PMC8842942 DOI: 10.1186/s13722-022-00295-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The cervical cancer burden is high among women living in Appalachia. Cigarette smoking, a cervical cancer risk factor, is also highly prevalent in this population. This project aims to increase smoking cessation among women living in Appalachia by embedding a smoking cessation program within a larger, integrated cervical cancer prevention program. METHODS The broader program, the Take CARE study, is a multi-site research collaborative designed to address three risk factors for cervical cancer incidence and mortality: tobacco use, human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, and cervical cancer screening. Break Free is a primary care clinic-based implementation program that aims to promote smoking cessation among female smokers in Appalachia by standardizing clinical practice protocols. Break Free includes: (1) implementation of a tobacco user identification system in the Electronic Health Record, (2) clinic staff and provider training on the Ask, Advise and Refer (AAR) model, (3) provider implementation of AAR to identify and treat women who want to quit smoking within the next 6 months, (4) facilitated access to cessation phone counseling plus pharmacotherapy, and (5) the bundling of Break Free tobacco cessation with HPV vaccination and cervical cancer screening interventions in an integrated approach to cervical cancer prevention. The study spans 35 Appalachian health clinics across 10 healthcare systems. We aim to enroll 51 adult female smokers per health system (total N = 510). Baseline and follow-up data will be obtained from participant (provider and patient) surveys. The primary outcome is self-reported 12-month point prevalence abstinence among enrolled patients. All randomized patients are asked to complete follow-up surveys, regardless of whether they participated in tobacco treatment. Data analysis of the primary aims will follow intent-to-treat methodology. Secondary outcomes will assess program implementation and cost effectiveness. DISCUSSION Addressing high tobacco use rates is critical for reducing cervical cancer morbidity and mortality among women living in Appalachia. This study evaluates the implementation and effectiveness of a smoking cessation program in increasing smoking cessation among female smokers. If results demonstrate effectiveness and sustainability, implementation of this program into other health care clinics could reduce both rates of smoking and cervical cancer. Trial registration NCT04340531 (April 9, 2020).
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanne G Patterson
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 354 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA.
| | - Tia N Borger
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jessica L Burris
- Department of Psychology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mark Conaway
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Robert Klesges
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Lindsay Hauser
- UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Connie Clark
- UVA Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | | | - Sarah Cooper
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Merry C Smith
- College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Mark Dignan
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Stephenie Kennedy-Rea
- West Virginia University Cancer Institute, Morgantown, WV, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, West Virginia University, Morgantown, WV, USA
| | - Electra D Paskett
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 354 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
- Division of Cancer Prevention and Control, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Roger Anderson
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Amy K Ferketich
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University, 354 Cunz Hall, 1841 Neil Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
- The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, USA
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23
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Little MA, Porter KJ, Pebley K, Wiseman KP, Cohn W, Anderson RT, Krukowski RA. Evaluating the feasibility of pharmacist-facilitated tobacco cessation interventions in independent community pharmacies in rural Appalachia. J Am Pharm Assoc (2003) 2022; 62:1807-1815. [PMID: 35953377 PMCID: PMC9732831 DOI: 10.1016/j.japh.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Smoking rates in the United States are the highest in underserved rural regions. Thus, more points of contact are needed to link smokers to evidence-based cessation programs. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to conduct an evaluation to determine the feasibility, acceptability, and interest among rural pharmacists in implementing a pharmacist-facilitated smoking cessation program in independent community pharmacies in rural Appalachian communities in Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee, and West Virginia. METHODS This study utilized a complementary sequential mixed-methods approach to explore independent community pharmacists and technicians' experiences and beliefs about implementing a tobacco cessation program in their pharmacy. RESULTS There were 49 pharmacists or technicians who completed the survey and 7 pharmacists who participated in the interviews. Four main findings emerged from the data: 1) pharmacies can help fill the gap in tobacco cessation services in rural communities, 2) under current practice, tobacco cessation resources when offered by independent community pharmacies are not always formalized, 3) there are known barriers, such as reimbursing for services, that need to be addressed to provide tobacco cessation in an independent pharmacy setting, and 4) the Ask-Advise-Connect model is a feasible tobacco cessation approach in a pharmacy. CONCLUSION Although pharmacists may be ideally situated to build capacity for smoking cessation in rural areas, smoking cessation interventions need to use existing approaches that compensate pharmacists for their time spent counseling patients. Furthermore, simple documentation and billing systems are needed to maximize utilization of tobacco cessation products and services provided in the pharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A. Little
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Kathleen J. Porter
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Kinsey Pebley
- University of Memphis, The University of Memphis, Department of Psychology, Memphis, TN
| | - Kara P. Wiseman
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Wendy Cohn
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Roger T. Anderson
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
| | - Rebecca A. Krukowski
- University of Virginia School of Medicine, School of Medicine Department of Public Health Sciences, Charlottesville, VA,University of Virginia Cancer Center, Charlottesville, VA
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24
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Tobacco Use Status and Temptation to Try E-Cigarettes among a Sample of Appalachian Youth. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18136755. [PMID: 34201718 PMCID: PMC8267625 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18136755] [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: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
E-cigarettes are commonly used tobacco products among youth populations, including Appalachian youth. However, knowledge of the extent to which tobacco use status relates to temptation to try e-cigarettes is limited. Data from the Youth Appalachian Tobacco Study (n = 1047) were used. Temptation to try e-cigarettes was derived from a 12-item situational inventory. Tobacco use status was defined as never, ever non-e-cigarette, and ever e-cigarette use. A factorial ANOVA was used to estimate the adjusted association between tobacco use status and the e-cigarette use temptation scale. Two-way interaction terms between tobacco use status and gender, and tobacco use status and race/ethnicity, were plotted to depict effect modification. Approximately 10% of youth were ever non-e-cigarette users and 24% were ever e-cigarette users. Never and ever non-e-cigarette user middle schoolers had higher temptation to try e-cigarettes than their high school counterparts. The same relationship was found among never and ever e-cigarette users living in households with tobacco users. The ANOVA results suggest a positive, monotonic relationship between tobacco use status and temptation to try e-cigarettes, and that the adjusted group means differ by gender and race/ethnicity. The findings can inform tobacco prevention interventions for youth at higher risk for e-cigarette use, especially youth who have not yet tried e-cigarettes.
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