Smoking habits of UK military personnel on deployment: Exercise SAIF SAREEA 3

2020 ◽  
Vol 166 (6) ◽  
pp. 396-400
Author(s):  
J F Williams ◽  
M Fuller ◽  
M B Smith
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Data Collection ◽  
Military Personnel ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Habits ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Smoking Cessation Services ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Number Of Individuals

IntroductionChanges of environment brought about by deployments are often attributed to an increase in smoking of service personnel. Electronic cigarettes are recognised as being a viable aid to quitting smoking but are currently banned from sale in Oman and were therefore banned during exercise SAIF SAREEA 3 (SS3). This paper sought to establish whether smoking increased on this exercise and for what reasons. Also, if deployed smoking cessation services are likely to be used, if available.MethodsQuestionnaires were distributed to deployed troops at various locations in theatre for data collection.ResultsSmoking prevalence increased by 5.2% (29) in the deployed population by the end of the exercise. The largest increase was seen in those smoking 20 cigarettes a day or more, rising by 269.8% (73) with a mean increase of 9 cigarettes per day. During the exercise the number of personnel using electronic cigarettes decreased and individuals’ rate of electronic cigarette use also decreased. Those who smoked less during the exercise did mainly through choice (56.8%). 50% (280) of all individuals who increased smoking habits during the exercise did so out of boredom.ConclusionsDuring exercise SS3 the number of individuals who smoked and the quantity they smoked increased. The ban on electronic cigarettes in Oman and while on exercise potentially had an effect on the increased smoking habits. There is an argument to include smoking cessation material in medical modules to prevent ex-smokers from restarting, continue to aid those quitting and potentially lessen severity of increasing smoking habits while deployed.

scholarly journals Electronic cigarettes

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer Kaspick ◽  
BCIT School of Health Sciences, Environmental Health ◽  
Helen Heacock
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Status ◽  
Electronic Cigarette ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Chi Square ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Quit Smoking ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Chi Squared

  Background: Electronic cigarettes are a widely-used, yet still emerging technology. As such, there is relatively little data regarding the reasons why people take up their use. Many claim to use them as a smoking-cessation method. Concern exists that experimentation in non-smokers may lead to nicotine addiction and subsequent smoking. The purpose of this study was to determine the primary reasons for the commencement of electronic cigarette use, and to suggest way in which these findings could affect current policies and regulations pertaining to electronic cigarettes. Methods: A survey examining electronic cigarette use was prepared. The survey contained questions respecting primary motivation for use, frequency of use, present and former smoking status as well as agreement with common perception about electronic cigarettes. Basic demographic information was also collected. The survey was posted to “www.reddit.com” and was accessible to users who used electronic cigarettes themselves via the “/r/electronic_cigarettes” sub-Reddit for a period of five days. Once responses were collected, Chi-square tests of independence were run to determine if any associations existed. Responses were also compared to previous studies of a similar nature to see if any similarities existed. Results: In total, 155 responses were received. The majority of the respondents were males (89.7%) between the ages of 19 and 28 (47.7%). 30.32% listed their occupation as “student”, and almost three-quarters of the respondents had some post-secondary experience. 78.1% of respondents were former smokers, and 61.3% identified their primary reason for electronic cigarette use as “to quit smoking.” Chi-squared tests for association between responses yielded statistically-significant associations between being a previous smoker and believing that electronic-cigarettes are healthier than conventional cigarettes, and between gender (specifically being male) and reasons for electronic cigarette use (specifically “to quit smoking”). However, the latter result was possibly skewed by a higher response rate from males as opposed to females. Conclusion: The high proportion of previous smokers among electronic cigarette users suggested that quitting smoking was the most common reason individuals take up electronic cigarette usage. It is therefore suggested that studies be done to determine if their use is less harmful than that of conventional cigarettes, and that existing legislation regarding their use in public be modified in light of this evidence. It is also suggested that they be given consideration as a legitimate means of smoking cessation.  

scholarly journals Development of a Self-Help Smoking Cessation Intervention for Dual Users of Tobacco Cigarettes and E-Cigarettes

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (5) ◽  
pp. 2328
Author(s):  
Lauren R. Meltzer ◽  
Vani N. Simmons ◽  
Bárbara Piñeiro ◽  
David J. Drobes ◽  
Gwendolyn P. Quinn ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Phase I ◽  
Phase Ii ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Smoking Cessation Intervention ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Self Help ◽  
Cessation Intervention ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Depth Interviews

Most users of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) report initiating use to quit combustible cigarettes. Nevertheless, high levels of dual use (i.e., using both combustible cigarettes and e-cigarettes) occur among adults. Using formative data from in-depth interviews and employing learner verification, we adapted an existing, validated self-help smoking-cessation intervention (Stop Smoking for Good; SSFG) to create a targeted intervention for dual users, If You Vape: A Guide to Quitting Smoking (IYV). In Phase I, in-depth interviews (n = 28) were conducted to assess relevance of the existing SSFG materials (10 booklets, nine pamphlets) and identify new content for the booklets. Next, for Phase II, learner verification interviews (n = 20 dual users) were conducted to assess their appeal and acceptability. Several key themes emerged from the Phase I in-depth interviews. Findings led to the inclusion of e-cigarette-specific strategies used by successful quitters such as gradually reducing nicotine levels, switching from tobacco flavor to alternative flavors, and limiting e-cigarette use to places one would normally smoke (i.e., not expanding use). Suggestions from Phase II learner verification included broadening the visual appeal for a younger, more diverse demographic, expanding tips for quitting smoking via e-cigarettes, and expanding terminology for e-cigarette devices. Beginning with an efficacious self-help intervention, we used a systematic process to develop a version specifically for dual users.

Impact of a negative emotional antitobacco mass media campaign on French smokers: a longitudinal study

2018 ◽  
Vol 27 (6) ◽  
pp. 670-676 ◽  
Author(s):  
Romain Guignard ◽  
Karine Gallopel-Morvan ◽  
Ute Mons ◽  
Karin Hummel ◽  
Viêt Nguyen-Thanh
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Mass Media ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Media Campaign ◽  
Perceived Susceptibility ◽  
Media Campaigns ◽  
Smoking Cessation Services ◽  
High Smoking Prevalence ◽  
T1 And T2

BackgroundMass media campaigns to encourage smoking cessation have been shown to be effective in a context of comprehensive tobacco control programme. The effectiveness of antismoking ads that evoke negative emotions remains unclear, in particular in countries with high smoking prevalence and among smokers with low perceived susceptibility, low self-efficacy or who are not users of smoking cessation services.ObjectiveTo evaluate short-term and long-term effects of a 1-month French national highly emotional media campaign, with a focus on these specific targets.DesignA 6-month longitudinal survey by Internet. A sample of 3000 smokers were interviewed before the media campaign (T0). They were contacted again just after (T1) and 6 months after the campaign (T2).OutcomesPerceived susceptibility to the risks of smoking, self-efficacy to quit smoking, use of smoking cessation services (quitline and website) and 7-day quitting.MethodsThe analysis was carried out on 2241 individuals who answered at T1 and T2. Multiple logistic regressions were computed to test the association between the change in each outcome at T1 and T2 and the level of exposure based on self-reported recall.ResultsSelf-reported recall was associated with an increase in perceived susceptibility and with use of cessation services. Campaign recall was also associated with higher 7-day quitting immediately after the campaign (OR=1.8 (1.0 to 3.2), P<0.05).ConclusionsFear-appeal mass media campaigns can be effective in encouraging cessation among smokers in a country with high smoking prevalence (France), but should be accompanied by convincing self-efficacy messages.

Balancing Consideration of the Risks and Benefits of E-Cigarettes

2021 ◽  
pp. e1-e12
Author(s):  
David J. K. Balfour ◽  
Neal L. Benowitz ◽  
Suzanne M. Colby ◽  
Dorothy K. Hatsukami ◽  
Harry A. Lando ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Media Coverage ◽  
Attributable Mortality ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
The Public ◽  
Health Community ◽  
Smoking Policies ◽  
Quit Attempts ◽  
Quitting Smoking ◽  
Potential Benefits

The topic of e-cigarettes is controversial. Opponents focus on e-cigarettes’ risks for young people, while supporters emphasize the potential for e-cigarettes to assist smokers in quitting smoking. Most US health organizations, media coverage, and policymakers have focused primarily on risks to youths. Because of their messaging, much of the public—including most smokers—now consider e-cigarette use as dangerous as or more dangerous than smoking. By contrast, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that e-cigarette use is likely far less hazardous than smoking. Policies intended to reduce adolescent vaping may also reduce adult smokers’ use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts. Because evidence indicates that e-cigarette use can increase the odds of quitting smoking, many scientists, including this essay’s authors, encourage the health community, media, and policymakers to more carefully weigh vaping’s potential to reduce adult smoking-attributable mortality. We review the health risks of e-cigarette use, the likelihood that vaping increases smoking cessation, concerns about youth vaping, and the need to balance valid concerns about risks to youths with the potential benefits of increasing adult smoking cessation. (Am J Public Health. Published online ahead of print August 19, 2021: e1–e12. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306416 )

Household Smoking Situations and Factors Associated with Smoking Cessation among Adult Men in Coastal Fishing Communities

2021 ◽  
Vol 104 (1) ◽  
pp. 59-67
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Adult Male ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Smoking History ◽  
Community Research ◽  
Fishing Communities ◽  
P Value ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Factors Associated ◽  
Quitting Smoking

Objective: To investigate household smoking situations and factors associated with cessation, focusing on adult male smokers in low socioeconomic coastal fishing communities in southern Thailand. Materials and Methods: An epidemiological community cross-sectional approach was conducted in 371 adult male smokers aged between 20 and 60 years. A self-administered questionnaire was applied to gather the data. Demographic characteristics, household smoking, smoking history, smoking behaviors, and pulmonary symptom data were collected by the community research assistants. Statistical computing was performed with R studio, and a p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: The household smoking prevalence was 23.5%. Most smokers were categorized as having high pack-years, and the lowest age at first smoking was ten years old. Imitation and impetuous behaviors were the major leading causes of becoming a new smoker. The number of cigarettes smoked daily was the highest among individuals with more than 20 pack-years. Eighty-four-point-one percent of smokers desired to quit smoking for personal health reasons. Smokers in the 51 to 60 years age group were 49.62 times as likely as adolescents to cease smoking. Participants who first started smoking when they were older than 17 years of age had a 3.56-times higher chance of quitting smoking than those who started smoking when they were younger than 15 years of age (95% CI 1.51 to 8.37). Conclusion: The smoking situation in the coastal fishing communities of the southernmost provinces of Thailand is a worrisome problem. Smoking prevalence remains high, with prevalence increasing with age, and newer smokers starting at younger ages. A high proportion of smokers intended to cease smoking. Therefore, smoking cessation programs would be essential in the present study area. Keywords: Smoking situation, Cessation, Coastal fishing community, Southernmost Thailand

E-cigarettes and vaping – a panacea or a bane to smoking in current times?

2020 ◽  
pp. 103985622095009
Author(s):  
Guna Kanniah ◽  
Shailesh Kumar ◽  
Soumil Prasad
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Safety Profile ◽  
Tobacco Industry ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Nicotine Concentration ◽  
The World

Objective: Use of electronic cigarettes has increased across the world in the last decade with heavy investment from the tobacco industry targeting younger population through well-designed marketing campaigns portraying e-cigarettes as harmless, less addictive and effective in smoking cessation while delivering higher nicotine concentration. The safety profile of e-cigarettes is reviewed in this paper. Conclusions: The safety of e-cigarettes and the chemicals they contain have not been evaluated rigorously. Emerging data suggest e-cigarette use could do severe harm. People with serious mental illness, already the highest nicotine consumers, could be exploited by the tobacco industry.

scholarly journals A Comparison of Dependence across Different Types of Nicotine Containing Products and Coffee

2018 ◽  
Vol 15 (8) ◽  
pp. 1609
Author(s):  
Karl Fagerstrom
Keyword(s):  
Data Collection ◽  
Random Sample ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Coffee Consumption ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Nicotine Replacement ◽  
Heavy Smoking ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Smoking Index

Introduction: Few studies have compared the dependence to different tobacco and nicotine products. Even less is known about how it relates to dependence on other common drugs, e.g., caffeine. In this study degree of dependence was compared between snus, cigarettes, nicotine replacement (NR), electronic cigarettes and coffee. Methods: A random sample of Swedish citizens belonging to an internet panel were contacted from September to October 2017. The responders were asked among other related things about their use of snus, NR, traditional cigarette or e-cigarette use and coffee consumption. The indicators of dependence used were: (A) the Heavy Smoking Index, (B) The proportions that used within 30 min after raising in the morning, (C) rating the first use in the morning as the most important and (D) Stating that it would be very hard to give up entirely. Results: Significantly fewer coffee drinkers started use within 30 min of awakening compared with all other products. The first use of the day was found to be more important for snus users compared with other products. On HSI there was no difference between snus and cigarettes. Snus and cigarettes were rated as being more difficult to give up than NR and coffee. Conclusion: Dependence to traditional cigarettes and snus seem to be relatively similar while NR was rated lower and coffee lowest. Since the prevalence of caffeine use in all forms is so much more prevalent than nicotine there might be more persons in the society heavily dependent on caffeine. Implication: Tobacco products are likely more dependence forming than NR products and coffee although there might be more people dependent on caffeine. The addiction to coffee or caffeine is seldom discussed in the society probably because of the little or no harm it causes. Funding: The Snus Commission in Sweden (snuskommissionen) funded the data collection. No funding used for the analysis and writing of manuscript.

Lung function and respiratory symptoms in a randomized smoking cessation trial of electronic cigarettes

2016 ◽  
Vol 130 (21) ◽  
pp. 1929-1937 ◽  
Author(s):  
Fabio Cibella ◽  
Davide Campagna ◽  
Pasquale Caponnetto ◽  
Maria Domenica Amaradio ◽  
Massimo Caruso ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Lung Function ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Substantial Reduction ◽  
Cigarette Consumption ◽  
Phenotype Classification ◽  
Quitting Smoking

Quitting smoking is the most important step smokers can take to improve their health. Nonetheless, there is little information on long-term improvements in lung function and/or respiratory symptoms after smoking cessation. Here we illustrate long-term changes in spirometric indices as well as in respiratory symptoms in smokers invited to quit or reduce their cigarette consumption by switching to electronic cigarettes (ECs). Prospective evaluation of cigarette consumption, spirometry and symptoms was performed in a 1-year randomized controlled trial of smokers receiving EC containing 2.4%, 1.8% or 0% nicotine. Spirometric data are presented on the basis of participants’ pooled continuous smoking phenotype classification (Quitters, Reducers, Failures), whereas respiratory symptoms on the basis of their point prevalence-smoking phenotype. Smoking phenotype classification (Quitters, Reducers, Failures) had no significant effect on spirometric indices (FEV1, FVC and FEV1/FVC) with the exception of FEF25–75%, which significantly (P  =0.034) increased over the time among Quitters; their FEF25–75% (% predicted) improving from (means±S.D.) 85.7±15.6% at baseline (BL) to 100.8±14.6%. High prevalence of cough/phlegm (43.1%) and shortness of breath (SoB; 34.8%) was reported at BL with substantial reduction in their frequency at subsequent follow-up visits. These symptoms virtually disappeared very quickly in both quitters and reducers. Smokers invited to switch to ECs who completely abstained from smoking showed steady progressive improvements in their FEF25–75%. Normalization of peripheral airways function was associated with improvement in respiratory symptoms, adding to the notion that abstaining from smoking can reverse tobacco harm in the lung.

scholarly journals Uptake and Perceptions of E-cigarette use in Vascular Patients

2018 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-87
Author(s):  
Rachael Taylor ◽  
David Sidloff ◽  
Robert D. Sayers ◽  
Matthew J. Bown ◽  
Athanasios Saratzis
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Risk Group ◽  
Electronic Cigarettes ◽  
High Risk Group ◽  
Cigarette Use ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Tobacco Products ◽  
Patterns Of Use ◽  
Initial Interviews

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) are becoming increasingly popular. However, little is known regarding their patterns of use in patients with established CVD.Aims: We aimed to assess the perceptions and patterns of use of e-cigarettes in patients presenting to a vascular clinic.Methods: We performed a qualitative study to identify perceptions and beliefs about e-cigarettes. Semi-structured interviews of consecutive patients consenting to participate were performed over five-months. Individuals were recruited from a vascular surgery outpatient clinic. Initial interviews were based on a questionnaire. Further structured interviews were conducted with patients currently using e-cigarettes, which were transcribed and analysed to assess perceptions and patterns of use.Results/Findings: Four overarching themes emerged: attraction to e-cigarettes as a harm reduction/smoking cessation strategy; uncertainty regarding the risks of e-cigarettes; use of various types of smoking cessation strategies; dual use and often complete relapse to tobacco products.Conclusions: Patients with established CVD view e-cigarettes as a means of smoking cessation; however, many relapse to tobacco products or use both simultaneously. Further research is necessary regarding the role of e-cigarettes in smoking cessation in this high-risk group.

scholarly journals Varenicline for Smoking Cessation: a Review

2016 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 215-220
Author(s):  
G P Rauniar ◽  
A Mishra ◽  
D P Sarraf
Keyword(s):  
Smoking Cessation ◽  
Tobacco Use ◽  
Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Acetylcholine Receptors ◽  
Smoking Prevalence ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Developed Countries ◽  
First Line ◽  
The World ◽  
Quitting Smoking

Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable death and disability in the world. Although gradually declining in most developed countries, the prevalence of tobacco use has increased among developing countries. Nicotine is an addictive chemical that is inhaled from the tobacco present in the cigarettes. It acts on neuronal nicotinic acetylcholine receptors within the ventral tegmental area of the brain, causing dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens which reinforces nicotine-seeking behavior. Reward through the dopaminergic system is a common thread among many drugs of addiction. According to the National Anti-Tobacco Communication Campaign Strategy for Nepal smoking prevalence in Nepal is higher (38.4%) than the smoking prevalence in the world (29%). Smoking attributable annual deaths in Nepal is estimated at nearly 14,000 (9,000 male deaths and 5,000 female deaths) for population aged 35 and over. First-line pharmacotherapies for smoking cessation are varenicline, sustained-release bupropion and various forms of nicotine replacement therapy (i.e., patch, gum, lozenge, inhaler, nasal spray). These drugs can be used as monotherapy or combination therapy for the treatment of smoking cessation. After studying the outcome of many clinical trials and meta-analysis, it is concluded that cigarette smokers taking varenicline have the most success quitting smoking as compared with those taking other first-line pharmacotherapies for treating smoking cessation.  Health Renaissance 2014;12(3): 215-220

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