e-Health Interventions for Tobacco Cessation

2021 ◽  
pp. 561-570
Author(s):  
Chris Kotsen ◽  
Jamie Ostroff ◽  
Lisa Carter-Harris

E-health interventions for tobacco cessation have evolved and proliferated over the last decade. These treatments for tobacco dependence include internet/website; texting/mHealth; apps and serious video games; social media; Quitlines and telephonic, interactive voice response (IVR); and telehealth/telemedicine/video conferencing counseling formats. This chapter discusses the reach, acceptability, and efficacy for each of these digital cessation treatments. Strengths and limitations of studies and systematic reviews are highlighted, in particular, regarding tobacco dependence treatments involving patients who have already been diagnosed with cancer. Most of the latest e-health interventions that rely on evidence-based guidelines are showing solid acceptability and reach, and at least some short-term effectiveness. It is concluded that many of these interventions may be conceptualized as treatment extenders that may have the most efficacy when combined with more intensive tobacco treatments that allow for complex clinical tailoring of treatment, particularly with patients who present with comorbidities.

2020 ◽  
Vol 54 (8) ◽  
pp. 820-826 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kathleen K. Adams ◽  
William L. Baker ◽  
Diana M. Sobieraj

News and social media platforms have implicated dietary supplements in the treatment and prevention of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). During this pandemic when information quickly evolves in the presence of contradicting messages and misinformation, the role of the pharmacist is essential. Here, we review theoretical mechanisms and evidence related to efficacy and safety of select supplements in the setting of COVID-19, including vitamin C, vitamin D, zinc, elderberry, and silver. Evidence evaluating these supplements in COVID-19 patients is lacking, and providers and patients should not rely on dietary supplements to prevent or treat COVID-19. Rather, reference to evidence-based guidelines should guide treatment decisions.


10.2196/15155 ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (11) ◽  
pp. e15155 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela S Sinicrope ◽  
Kathryn R Koller ◽  
Judith J Prochaska ◽  
Christine A Hughes ◽  
Martha J Bock ◽  
...  

Background Despite the high prevalence of tobacco use among Alaska Native (AN) people, tobacco cessation interventions developed specifically for this group are lacking. Social media hold promise as a scalable intervention strategy to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation, given the barriers to treatment delivery (ie, geographic remoteness, limited funding, climate, and travel costs) in the state of Alaska (AK). Building on a longstanding tobacco control research partnership with the AK Tribal Health System, in this study, we are developing and pilot-testing a culturally relevant, Facebook (FB)-delivered intervention that incorporates a digital storytelling approach adapted from the effective Centers for Disease Control Tips from Former Smokers campaign. Objective This study aims to promote evidence-based smoking treatment (eg, state quitline and Tribal cessation programs) uptake and cessation among AN people. Methods This study fulfills the objectives for stage 1 of the National Institute on Drug Abuse behavioral integrative treatment development program. In stage 1a, we will use a mixed method approach to develop the FB intervention. Cultural variance and surface/deep structure frameworks will address the influence of culture in designing health messages. These developmental activities will include qualitative and quantitative assessments, followed by beta testing of proposed intervention content. In stage 1b, we will conduct a randomized pilot trial enrolling 60 AN adults who smoke. We will evaluate the feasibility, uptake, consumer response, and potential efficacy of the FB intervention compared with a control condition (quitline/treatment referral only). Primary outcome measures include feasibility and biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported smoking cessation treatment utilization and abstinence from tobacco/nicotine products. We will also explore interdependence (relationship orientation and collaborative efforts in lifestyle change) as a culturally relevant mediator of intervention efficacy. Results The study enrolled 40 participants for phase 1, with data saturation being achieved at 30 AN people who smoke and 10 stakeholders. For phase 2, we enrolled 40 participants. Qualitative assessment of proposed intervention content was completed with 30 AN smokers and 10 stakeholders. We are currently analyzing data from the quantitative assessment with 40 participants in preparation for the beta testing, followed by the randomized pilot trial. Conclusions The project is innovative for its use of social media communication tools that are culturally relevant in a behavioral intervention designed to reach AN people statewide to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation. The study will further advance tobacco cessation research in an underserved disparity group. If the pilot intervention is successful, we will have a blueprint to conduct a large randomized controlled efficacy trial. Our approach could be considered for other remote AN communities to enhance the reach of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/15155


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Pamela S Sinicrope ◽  
Kathryn R Koller ◽  
Judith J Prochaska ◽  
Christine A Hughes ◽  
Martha J Bock ◽  
...  

BACKGROUND Despite the high prevalence of tobacco use among Alaska Native (AN) people, tobacco cessation interventions developed specifically for this group are lacking. Social media hold promise as a scalable intervention strategy to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation, given the barriers to treatment delivery (ie, geographic remoteness, limited funding, climate, and travel costs) in the state of Alaska (AK). Building on a longstanding tobacco control research partnership with the AK Tribal Health System, in this study, we are developing and pilot-testing a culturally relevant, Facebook (FB)-delivered intervention that incorporates a digital storytelling approach adapted from the effective Centers for Disease Control Tips from Former Smokers campaign. OBJECTIVE This study aims to promote evidence-based smoking treatment (eg, state quitline and Tribal cessation programs) uptake and cessation among AN people. METHODS This study fulfills the objectives for stage 1 of the National Institute on Drug Abuse behavioral integrative treatment development program. In stage 1a, we will use a mixed method approach to develop the FB intervention. Cultural variance and surface/deep structure frameworks will address the influence of culture in designing health messages. These developmental activities will include qualitative and quantitative assessments, followed by beta testing of proposed intervention content. In stage 1b, we will conduct a randomized pilot trial enrolling 60 AN adults who smoke. We will evaluate the feasibility, uptake, consumer response, and potential efficacy of the FB intervention compared with a control condition (quitline/treatment referral only). Primary outcome measures include feasibility and biochemically verified smoking abstinence at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Secondary outcomes will include self-reported smoking cessation treatment utilization and abstinence from tobacco/nicotine products. We will also explore interdependence (relationship orientation and collaborative efforts in lifestyle change) as a culturally relevant mediator of intervention efficacy. RESULTS The study enrolled 40 participants for phase 1, with data saturation being achieved at 30 AN people who smoke and 10 stakeholders. For phase 2, we enrolled 40 participants. Qualitative assessment of proposed intervention content was completed with 30 AN smokers and 10 stakeholders. We are currently analyzing data from the quantitative assessment with 40 participants in preparation for the beta testing, followed by the randomized pilot trial. CONCLUSIONS The project is innovative for its use of social media communication tools that are culturally relevant in a behavioral intervention designed to reach AN people statewide to promote smoking treatment utilization and cessation. The study will further advance tobacco cessation research in an underserved disparity group. If the pilot intervention is successful, we will have a blueprint to conduct a large randomized controlled efficacy trial. Our approach could be considered for other remote AN communities to enhance the reach of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT DERR1-10.2196/15155


2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 69-80
Author(s):  
Mohamed Ibrahim Eymoi ◽  
Patrick Mbataru

The unprecedented global adoption of information and communication technologies (ICTs) is rapidly changing the way people are communicating in solving problems. For several years now, the role of ICTs has become important in the way people construct their relationships in conflict resolution. Yet little is known on the dynamism of this interaction. It is not clear how mobile technology has contributed toward conflict resolution, and this study will contribute to the knowledge on the role of mobile telephones in conflict resolution. The purpose of this study was to explore how the mobile phone technology contributed in resolving communal conflicts in Mandera County, Kenya. This study was guided by three theories: conflict transformation theory, diffusion of innovations theory and social representation theory. The conflict Tansformation Theory is adopted as the main theory of analysis.  The main idea of this theory is transforming negative conflict into constructive conflict, deals with structural, behavioural and attitudinal aspects of conflict. This study adopted a descriptive survey. The population for this study consisted of 301 employees in ICT and security department where stakeholders in technology and security sectors and the public. Primary and secondary  data was analysed according to the objectives. Primary data was derived from questionnaires formulated to target employees in ICT and security department. The data analysis included qualitative and quantitative techniques.  Qualitative data was summarized and categorized according to common themes and was presented using frequency distribution tables, graphs and charts. Content analysis was used mostly to arrive at inferences through a systematic and objective identification of the specific messages. The quantitative data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The results confirmed that short message service, social media plateform, instant messaging applications, and video conferencing play a role in resolving communal conflicts in Mandera County. The study concludes that Short Message Service, Social Media Platforms and Instant Messaging Applications can be used conflict such as communal conflicts. Video Conferencing can be used to solve conflict such as relationship conflict, arises from differences in personality, style, matters of taste, and even conflict style as well as conflict in the workplace like task conflict. County government of Mandera must come up with ways of incorporating mobile phone technologies such as Short Message Service, Social Media Platforms, Instant Messaging and Video Conferencing on matters conflict resolution. The study recommends that the County Government of Mandera in collaboration with the National Government need to come up with agencies to regulate the use of social media as a medium to communicate in times of conflict since they are sometimes prone to misuse.


2020 ◽  
Vol 23 ◽  
pp. S569-S570
Author(s):  
V. Pacsai ◽  
B. Szabó ◽  
E. Kalamár-Birinyi ◽  
L. Horváth ◽  
I. Boncz ◽  
...  

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