Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Engaging in Tobacco Cessation Counseling at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

PURPOSE: To address challenges promoting tobacco cessation in oncology settings, it is important to understand characteristics associated with patient engagement in tobacco cessation treatment. This analysis examined predictors of participating in at least one tobacco cessation counseling session among patients referred to a comprehensive cancer center's Tobacco Intervention and Psychosocial Support (TIPS) service. METHODS: Patients with cancer who reported current smoking or recently quitting and referred to TIPS between June 2017 and February 2020 were included in the analysis. Independent variables included sex, race and ethnicity, insurance type, cancer diagnosis (tobacco-related or not), age, nicotine dependence, and cigarettes smoked per day at baseline. The outcome variable was completion of at least one tobacco cessation counseling session among those assessed by the TIPS program. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses tested associations between the independent variables and tobacco cessation counseling engagement. RESULTS: Of 360 oncology patients referred to the TIPS program, 224 (62.2%) were assessed and 120 (33%) engaged in at least one counseling session. After controlling for sociodemographics and tobacco use, the results demonstrated that patients diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers were 45.3% less likely to engage in the tobacco cessation program compared with those with non–tobacco-related cancers ( P = .041). CONCLUSION: Patients diagnosed with tobacco-related cancers were less likely to engage in TIPS. Additional therapeutic resources may be needed to engage these patients to address potential explanatory factors, such as stigma, guilt, and fatalism. More research is needed to explore the impact of a tobacco-related cancer diagnosis on treatment engagement.

Tragic Triad of Tobacco Dependence, Cancer, and COVID-19 Pandemic: An Urgent Call for Attention by Health Care Systems and Professionals

Tobacco smoke is a well-known carcinogen associated with multiple malignancies. Patients with cancer, as well as survivors, who continue to smoke are at a greater risk for poor cancer treatment outcomes. With the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, there is increased frequency and severity of the infection in patients with cancer. Furthermore, smoking and/or vaping increases incidence or likelihood of progression of COVID-19. Cigarette smoking, cancer, and COVID-19 each impose disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minorities. Geographic and population-specific analyses reveal that neighborhoods with lower income and higher minority populations have more tobacco/vape shops and face increased risk associated with tobacco marketing. Referral to tobacco cessation has been reduced during the pandemic. To reduce the adverse health effects of tobacco dependence among patients with cancer during the pandemic, urgent evidence-based solutions are described for health systems and professionals to prioritize tobacco cessation for patients with cancer in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, on the basis of cessation implementation at City of Hope Medical Center.

Pathways to Employee Outcomes in a Workplace Health Promotion Program

Purpose This study examined the relationship between employee outcomes and employer implementation of evidence-based interventions (EBIs) for chronic disease prevention. Design Cross-sectional samples collected at 3 time points in a cluster-randomized, controlled trial of a workplace health promotion program to promote 12 EBIs. Setting King County, WA. Sample Employees of 63 small, low-wage workplaces. Measures Employer EBI implementation; 3 types of employee outcomes: perceived implementation of EBIs; perceived employer support for health; and health-related behaviors, perceived stress, depression risk, and presenteeism. Analysis Intent-to-treat and correlation analyses using generalized estimating equations. We tested bivariate associations along potential paths from EBI implementation, through perceived EBI implementation and perceived support for health, to several employee health-related outcomes. Results The intent-to-treat analysis found similar employee health-related behaviors in intervention and control workplaces at 15 and 24 months. Workplaces implemented varying combinations of EBIs, however, and bivariate associations were significant for 4 of the 6 indicators of physical activity and healthy eating, as well as perceived stress, depression risk, and presenteeism. We did not find significant positive associations for cancer screening and tobacco cessation. Conclusion Our findings support broader dissemination of EBIs for physical activity and healthy eating, as well as more focus on improving employer support for employee health. They also suggest we need better interventions for cancer screening and tobacco cessation.

Effectiveness of two tobacco cessation methods among TB patients

BACKGROUND: Tobacco and TB are the world´s two greatest public health problems. Exposure to tobacco has been shown to be associated with higher risk of acquiring TB and adverse outcomes such as relapse and TB mortality.OBJECTIVE: To assess and compare self-reported tobacco quit status and biochemically verified cotinine levels among TB patients at different time intervals among two study groups.METHODS: A cluster, randomised controlled trial was conducted on TB patients attending DOTS centres in Delhi, India, who reported using tobacco in any form. Participants were assigned into one of two treatment groups. Centres were randomly assigned to two intervention groups: 1) integrated intervention using behavioural counselling with nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) gum, and 2) intervention using behavioural counselling alone (50 each in intervention and control group). The subjects were followed at Week 1, Month 1, Month 3 and Month 6 for tobacco cessation.RESULTS: At the end of 6 months, patients who received the integrated intervention had significantly higher rate of success in quitting tobacco than those who received the conventional TB treatment alone (78.7% vs. 57.8%; P < 0.03).CONCLUSION: DOTS with tobacco use dependence treatment was successful in our study in helping TB patients to quit tobacco dependence and should therefore be offered to every tobacco user.

Exploratory randomised trial of face-to-face and mobile phone counselling against usual care for tobacco cessation in Indian primary care: a randomised controlled trial protocol for project CERTAIN

IntroductionDespite widespread use of smokeless tobacco products by people within the Indian subcontinent, there is little awareness among Indians of its health hazards when compared with smoked tobacco. We hypothesise that mobile phone counselling will be feasible and effective for smokeless tobacco cessation intervention in India. This paper presents the protocol of the development and conduct of an exploratory trial before progression to a full randomised controlled trial.Methods and analysisAn exploratory randomised controlled trial will be conducted in urban primary health centres in the state of Odisha, India. A total of 250 smokeless tobacco users will be recruited to the study (125 in each arm). Participants in the intervention arm will receive routine care together with a face-to-face counselling intervention followed by advice and reminder mobile messages. The control arm will receive routine care, delivered by a primary care physician based on ‘Ask’ and ‘Advice’. All participants will be followed up for 3 months from the first counselling session. The primary outcome of this trial is to assess the feasibility to carry out a full randomised controlled trial.Ethics and disseminationEthical approvals were obtained from the Institutional Ethics Committee of Public Health Foundation of India, Health Ministry’s Screening Committee, Odisha State Ethics Board and also from University College London Research Ethics Committee, UK. The study findings will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.Trial registration numberCTRI/2019/05/019484.

Perception and Attitude of Maxillofacial Surgeons towards in-Clinic Counselling on Tobacco Cessation in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria

Cigarettes and other forms of tobacco are known to be highly addictive, the use and production of which are on the rise. Tobacco use is a risk factor in the development of diseases especially oral cancer, affects negatively wound healing in maxillofacial surgical procedure, and periodontal therapies. Therefore, the need for tobacco cessation programs on patients among Maxillofacial surgeons and the trainees is necessary. Objectives- This is to assess the perception, attitude, and the influence of age, gender, duration of practice, and environment/religion on the cessation counseling carried out by Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons Methods- A prospective questionnaire-based study. A survey was carried out by sending validated, structured self-administered pretested questionnaires to Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery trainees and specialists in tertiary hospitals in different parts (North, South, and West) of Nigeria. The questionnaire assessed perceptions and attitudes- of the respondent, as well as the influence of age, gender, duration of practice, and environment/religion on in-clinic tobacco cessation. Results- A total of 44 individuals participated in the study. More respondents from senior registrars 19(43%), and with the majority from the Teaching Hospital 33(75%) out of the three cadres of institutions where the survey was done. Male to female ratio of respondents was 1:2.1, with the mean age of the participants 36.7. All agreed to the need for tobacco cessation counseling among Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons, only 37(84.1%) believe that in-clinic counseling will significantly reduce the prevalence of oral cancer. Age groups, sex, religion, designation, and the years in practice have a significant relationship with the participant perception-related question p=0.001, as well the like use of religious and professional techniques in counseling smokers (p<0.05). The gender of study participants had a significant influence on their perception of the need for in-clinic tobacco cessation counseling. Conclusion- Tobacco cessation program within the health institutions is tested and an affirmed avenue to stop or reduce the associated risk factors with substance use. Therefore, need for policymakers in health sectors to organize training programs for Maxillofacial surgeons. Key words: Oral & Maxillofacial surgeons, Tobacco cessation, attitude, and perceptions, in-clinic counseling.

Implementation and Outcomes of a Comprehensive Tobacco Free Workplace Program in Opioid Treatment Centers

Tobacco use is exceedingly high among individuals receiving care for opioid addiction, but not commonly addressed by clinicians in treatment settings. Taking Texas Tobacco Free (TTTF) is a comprehensive tobacco-free workplace (TFW) program that builds treatment centers’ capacity to address tobacco use with evidence-based tobacco cessation policies and practices. Here, we examine the process and outcomes of TTTF’s implementation within 7 opioid addiction centers. Program goals were structured according to the RE-AIM framework. Pre- and post-implementation data were collected from client facing and non-client facing employees to assess changes in education, training receipt, knowledge, and intervention behaviors, relative to program goals. Centers reported tobacco screenings conducted and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) delivered through 6 months post-implementation. Overall, 64.56% of employees participated in TTTF-delivered tobacco education, with a 54.9% gain in tobacco control and treatment knowledge (p < 0.0001), and significant increases in exposure to education about tobacco use and harms among individuals with opioid use disorder (p = 0.0401). There were significant gains in clinicians’ receipt of training in 9/9 tobacco education areas (ps ≤ 0.0118). From pre- to post-implementation, there were mean increases in the use of the 5A’s (ask, advise, assess, assist, and arrange) and other evidence-based interventions for tobacco cessation, with statistically significant gains seen in NRT provision/referral (p < 0.0001). Several program goals were achieved or exceeded; however, 100% center participation in specialized clinical trainings was among notable exceptions. One program withdrew due to competing pandemic concerns; all others implemented comprehensive TFW policies. Overall, TTTF may have improved participating opioid treatment centers’ capacity to address tobacco use, although study limitations, including lower post-implementation evaluation response rates, suggest that results require replication in other opioid addiction treatment settings.

Oral Cancer Knowledge and Awareness among Patients Referred to a University Dental Hospital in North Cyprus

Public knowledge about oral cancer may help to prevent and detect the disease at an early stage. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness and knowledge levels on oral cancer symptoms and risk factors among patients attending a faculty of dentistry in North Cyprus. A total of 250 adult dental patients participated voluntarily in a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire included questions on sociodemographic profile, oral cancer awareness, and knowledge. A total of 54.8% of the participants were male and 91.2% of the participants had a high school diploma and above education. Most participants were knowledgeable about oral cancer symptoms and a majority of them identified oral ulceration (64%). Tobacco cessation was the most selected option for protecting from oral cancer (79.6%). Significant differences were found between genders in current smokers, past tobacco users, alcohol users, and HPV awareness questions (p < 0.05). Furthermore, awareness and knowledge questions were compared between smoker and non-smoker participants and significant differences were found in the answers of ‘alcohol may cause mouth cancer’ and ‘quit tobacco use to prevent oral cancer’ (p < 0.05). This study showed that most of the participants were aware that tobacco cessation reduces the risk of oral cancer. The survey results showed that patients in North Cyprus are generally aware of the risk of tobacco-related oral cancer, but they demonstrate lower knowledge about other risk factors.

Hard to Reach or Just Not Enough? A Narrative Review of Inpatient Tobacco Cessation Programs in Pediatrics

Caregiver smoking is a significant risk factor for children with acute and chronic diseases. Hospitalization presents an opportunity to explore caregiver smoking as a modifiable risk factor during a time of crisis when the motivation to change could be heightened. To date, there has not been a published review on inpatient smoking cessation interventions in pediatrics that focus on supporting caregivers of hospitalized children. The goals of this review were to identify and assess the reach and efficacy of tobacco cessation strategies implemented across inpatient units in pediatrics and mother-baby units. This review also proposes clinical and research implications along with program-building recommendations that can help inform future practice in tobacco cessation. A narrative review of the literature identified 14 peer-reviewed studies that described smoking cessation interventions between 2002 and 2021. There were five randomized controlled trials, seven prospective studies, and one retrospective study. The primary kinds of interventions were counseling to heighten caregiver contemplation to quit (n = 12), provision of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) medications (n = 7), and follow-up with the local Quitline (n = 12). A diverse range of deliverers implemented interventions across studies. Variation in defining quit attempts along with tobacco reduction and cessation outcomes contributed to mixed findings across studies.