How do we determine the impact of e-cigarettes on cigarette smoking cessation or reduction? Review and recommendations for answering the research question with scientific rigor

Abstract Introduction Cue-reactivity theory suggests that smoking-related visual cues such as point-of-sale (POS) marketing (eg, advertising, product displays) may undermine cessation attempts by causing an increase in nicotine cravings among users. This study examined the relationship between recall of exposure to POS marketing and subsequent cessation behaviors among young adult cigarette smokers. Methods Participants included 813, 18–29 year old (m = 21.1, SD = 2.70), current cigarette smokers attending 24 Texas colleges. Multivariable logistic regression models examined the impact of baseline self-reported exposure to cigarette and e-cigarette advertising and product displays, on using e-cigarettes for cessation and successful cigarette cessation at 6-month follow-up. Two-way interactions between product-specific advertising and between product-specific displays were examined to determine if the marketing of one product strengthened the cue reactivity of the other. Baseline covariates included sociodemographic factors, past quit attempts, intentions to quit smoking, and nicotine dependence. Results Exposure to e-cigarette displays was associated with lower odds of cigarette smoking cessation, controlling for covariates and conventional cigarette display exposure. E-cigarette advertising was positively associated with the use of e-cigarettes for cigarette cessation among participants exposed to low (ie, at least 1 SD below the mean) levels of cigarette advertising. Cigarette advertising was associated with the use of e-cigarettes for cigarette cessation only among those exposed to low levels of e-cigarette advertising. Exposure to cigarette displays was not associated with either outcome. Conclusion Smoking-related cues at POS may undermine successful cigarette cessation. Exposure to product displays decrease odds of cessation. Advertising exposure increased odds for using e-cigarettes for cessation attempts, but may have guided smokers towards an unproven cessation aid. Implications By examining the interaction of conventional cigarette and e-cigarette marketing exposure, this study adds a unique insight into the impact of retail tobacco marketing on cigarette smoking cessation behavior among young adults. These findings suggest that policies that balance encouraging cigarette smoking cessation while limiting marketing strategies should be considered, such as POS product displays, that may undermine successful cessation attempts.

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The Smoking Mind: A Psycho-Cognitive Perspective

Beiträge zur Tabakforschung International/Contributions to Tobacco Research ◽

10.1515/cttr-2017-0004 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 27 (5) ◽

pp. 33-41

Author(s):

Marianna Masiero ◽

Chiara Renzi ◽

Gabriella Pravettoni

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Smoking Behavior ◽

Smoking Initiation ◽

Cognitive Mechanisms ◽

Cognitive Components ◽

Risk Judgment ◽

Tobacco Cigarette ◽

Smoking Behaviors ◽

The Impact

Summary Smoking behavior involves not only a biological addiction, but also psycho-cognitive components. This runs from smoking initiation, through to maintaining, attempts at quitting, and relapse. This perspective is an important element in studying and intervening in smoking behaviors. The main aim of this narrative review is to explore tobacco cigarette smoking behavior, considering the pivotal role of cognitive mechanisms embedded in decision-making and in risk judgment, with particular attention to the so-called Optimistic Bias (OB). The mechanisms through which this fallacy supports smoking initiation and continuance are explored, considering the transition from young to adult smokers and the case of light and intermittent smokers. Furthermore, additional cognitive mechanisms associated with the OB, which sustain smoking behavior and prevent the efficacy of smoking cessation, are described. Finally, a stimulus for reflection and for discussion about how the impact of the cognitive bias perspective in tobacco cigarette smoking is provided, focusing on how it could support tailored interventions, both in smoking initiation prevention in adolescents and young adults, as well as in smoking cessation in high-risk categories.

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COVID-19 and a temporary ban on tobacco sales in South Africa: impact on smoking cessation

Tobacco Control ◽

10.1136/tobaccocontrol-2020-056293 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. tobaccocontrol-2020-056293

Author(s):

Yussuf Saloojee ◽

Angela Mathee

Keyword(s):

South Africa ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Smoking Prevalence ◽

Survey Design ◽

Prevalence Studies ◽

Quit Smoking ◽

Tobacco Sales ◽

Rate Of Decline ◽

The Impact

ObjectiveTo evaluate the impact of COVID-19 plus a temporary ban on the sale of tobacco and vaping products, on smoking cessation in South Africa, by reviewing research surveys conducted while the prohibition was in place.MethodAn internet search was conducted on 20 August 2020, using the key words: ‘South Africa’, ‘survey’, ‘poll’, ‘smoking’, ‘cigarettes’, ‘tobacco”, ‘vaping’, and ‘COVID-19’. There were no language restrictions. Additional studies were identified through press reports. Only studies conducted between March and August 2020 were included.ResultsFour surveys which reported on smokers quitting behaviour were included. None had been published in a peer reviewed journal. The heterogeneity of the data did not allow pooling. Support for the ban on tobacco sales amongst smokers varied from 6% to 36%. Similarly, there were inconsistent findings about quitting behaviour. Nationally, between 16% to 49% of smokers reported not smoking during the ban.ConclusionsCigarette smoking in SA dropped during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown, but the estimates were inconsistent, probably because of survey design. There was evidence that the lockdown achieved the fastest rate of decline in smoking prevalence in the country’s history. The true extent of the fall though is uncertain. Prevalence studies post lockdown, using probability sampling, may more accurately show how many people quit smoking.

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508 The impact of cigarette smoking and smoking cessation on oncological aggressiveness at radical cystectomy – a prospective, European, multicenter study of the EAU Young Academic Urologists (YAU) bladder cancer working group

European Urology Supplements ◽

10.1016/s1569-9056(16)60510-9 ◽

2016 ◽

Vol 15 (3) ◽

pp. e508

Author(s):

P. Gild ◽

M. Schmid ◽

M. Cumberbatch ◽

J. Dobruch ◽

P. Gontero ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Bladder Cancer ◽

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Radical Cystectomy ◽

Multicenter Study ◽

Working Group ◽

European Multicenter Study ◽

The Impact

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Impact of Cognitive and Social Factors on Smoking Cessation Attempts among US Adult Muslim Smokers

INNOVATIONS in pharmacy ◽

10.24926/iip.v11i3.3382 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 18

Author(s):

Omar Attarabeen ◽

Fadi Alkhateeb ◽

Usha Sambamoorthi ◽

Kevin Larkin ◽

Michael Newton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Smoking Cessation ◽

Cigarette Smoking ◽

Poisson Regression ◽

Cognitive Theory ◽

Research Question ◽

The United States ◽

Original Research ◽

Cross Sectional ◽

Convenience Sample ◽

Positive Attitudes

Background. Muslims in the United States (US) exhibit high rates of cigarette smoking. Guided by the Social Cognitive Theory, the study aimed to investigate the associations between the number of serious cigarette smoking cessation attempts and cognitive as well as environmental factors in adult US Muslim smokers. Methods. This cross-sectional study was based on a convenience sample of adult (≥ 18 years) US Muslim smokers. After receiving IRB approval, data were collected using an on-line survey. Unadjusted Poisson regression followed by adjusted multivariable Poisson regression analyses were conducted to answer the research question. Results. One hundred thirty-two smokers completed the questionnaire. Smokers reported more serious cigarette smoking cessation attempts if they 1) had more knowledge about the consequences of cigarette smoking cessation, 2) had more positive attitudes regarding quitting, and 3) reported greater religiosity. Additionally, smokers reported fewer serious cigarette smoking cessation attempts if they 1) were employed, 2) affiliated with Sunnah sect, 3) reported better self-assessed health, 4) reported higher perceived value for quitting, and 5) indicated that using tobacco was not allowed inside the home. Only three smokers reported using both prescription medications and counseling to aid with smoking cessation attempts. Conclusions. Inadequate utilization of pharmaceutical smoking cessation products and provider professional assistance may exacerbate the problems associated with elevated rates of smoking among US Muslim smokers. Knowledge of the consequences, more positive attitudes, and greater religiosity can be influential constructs in future interventions aimed at encouraging smoking cessation attempts in this population. Article type: Original Research

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