Preferences for Tobacco Cessation Information and Support During Covid-19.
Monday, December 21, 2020
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Simone
Pettigrew, Min Jun, Ian Roberts, Chris Bullen, Kellie Nallaiah, Anthony Rodgers
Preferences for Tobacco
Cessation Information and Support During Covid-19.
J Addict Med. 2020 Dec;14(6):e362-e365. doi: 10.1097/ADM.0000000000000743.
Objective.
To identify how best to provide smoking cessation advice and support during the
Covid-19 pandemic. Preferences were assessed in relation to: (i) specific forms
of tobacco cessation support (eg, nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and
various counseling formats); (ii) information sources (eg, government
officials, doctors); and (iii) channels via which to receive relevant
information (eg, television, social media).
Methods.
An online survey was administered to adults who smoke tobacco in Australia (n =
604) and the UK (n = 600). Descriptive analyses were conducted to identify
levels of interest in cessation support and information provision. Differences
in responses according to demographic characteristics and smoking history were
assessed.
Results.
Around half of the respondents were interested in receiving personal counseling
and/or participating in a text support program over the next month. By far the
most popular delivery mechanism for personal counseling was email.
Three-quarters of the sample expressed an interest in receiving free,
home-delivered NRT. The most popular information sources nominated by
respondents seeking more information about smokers' Covid-related risks were
government departments and their doctor/general practitioner. Television and online
news sources were the most preferred information dissemination channels.
Conclusions.
The substantial levels of interest expressed in accessing various forms of
cessation assistance within the next month suggest that Covid-19 may be
increasing receptiveness to quitting. The strong interest in free,
home-delivered NRT indicates that this may be a useful mechanism for
facilitating quit attempts during the pandemic.
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