James SA, Boeckman LM, Mushtaq N, Beebe LA.
Predictors of Cessation in Men Using a Tobacco Quitline - a Follow-up Study.
Am J Prev Med. 2023 Jun 9:S0749-3797(23)00252-0. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2023.06.004. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 37302515.

Introduction. While the effectiveness of tobacco quitline services for people who smoke cigarettes is well-established, less is known about other forms of tobacco. The aim of this study was to compare quit rates and factors contributing to tobacco abstinence in men reporting dual use (smokeless tobacco (S.T.) and one additional combustible tobacco product), S.T. only, and cigarettes only.

Methods. Self-reported 30-day point-prevalence tobacco abstinence at the 7-month follow-up was calculated in males who registered with the Oklahoma Tobacco Helpline (OTH) and completed a 7-month follow-up survey (n=3721) July 2015-November 2021. Logistic regression analysis completed in March 2023 identified variables associated with abstinence in each group.

Results. Abstinence was reported by 33% in the dual use group, 46% in the S.T. only group, and 32% in the cigarette group. Eight or more weeks of NRT provided by the OTH was associated with tobacco abstinence in men who reported dual use (aOR: 2.7, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.3) and exclusive smoking (aOR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1, 2.3). Use of all NRT was associated with abstinence in men who used S.T. (aOR, 2.1, 95% CI: 1.4, 3.1) and who smoked (aOR: 1.9, 95% CI: 1.6, 2.3). Number of Helpline calls was associated with abstinence in men who used S.T. (aOR: 4.3 95% CI:2.5, 7.3).

Conclusions: Men in all three tobacco use groups who fully utilized quitline services demonstrated a greater likelihood of tobacco abstinence. These findings underscore the importance of quitline intervention as an evidence-based strategy for people who use multiple forms of tobacco.