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Are Single-session Smoking Cessation Groups a Feasible Option for Rural Australia? – Outcomes From a Pilot Study

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 March 2014

Gillian S. Gould*
Affiliation:
School of Public Health, Tropical Medicine and Rehabilitation Sciences, James Cook University (Cairns Campus) School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour Campus)
Tracey Watters
Affiliation:
School of Health and Human Sciences, Southern Cross University (Coffs Harbour Campus)
*
Address for Correspondence: Dr Gillian S. Gould, PO Box 9077, Moonee Beach NSW 2450, Australia Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction: Single-session group smoking cessation interventions have received little attention in the literature.

Aims: This study aimed to test the feasibility and outcomes of a single-session large group smoking cessation intervention in a rural area of New South Wales.

Methods: Participants from a smoking cessation course (N = 42) were asked about cigarette consumption, quit attempts, and readiness and confidence to quit at registration and six months. The two-hour intervention occurred in a group setting and comprised of cognitive behaviour therapy and pharmacotherapy advice.

Results: The analysis revealed a 26.2% (N = 11) quit rate based on self-report and/or carbon monoxide validation at 6 months (intention to treat). Those who quit all used pharmacotherapy: eight (73%) Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT); two (18%) varenicline and one (9%) bupropion with NRT. Seven people (17%) used medicines to reduce consumption of cigarettes. A paired samples t test of those still smoking showed a statistically significant decrease in the numbers of cigarettes smoked per day (p<.001).

Conclusion: The quit rate of 26.2% from this large single-session smoking cessation course is comparable to that expected from groups having multiple sessions. As a pilot study, these data suggest that a multi-faceted single-session two-hour smoking cessation intervention can successfully support quit attempts in a rural location.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Australian Academic Press Pty Ltd 2014 

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