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Free, easy and effective: how young adults used 8 weeks of mailed nicotine patches and to what effect

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 November 2020

Kelli-an Lawrance Open the ORCID record for Kelli-an Lawrance [Opens in a new window] ,
Amanda Kirkwood ,
Heather Travis  and
Peter Selby
Kelli-an Lawrance*
Affiliation:
Department of Applied Health Sciences, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Amanda Kirkwood
Affiliation:
Leave The Pack Behind, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Heather Travis
Affiliation:
Leave The Pack Behind, Brock University, St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada
Peter Selby
Affiliation:
Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
*
Author for correspondence: Kelli-an Lawrance, E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Introduction

Research shows the mass distribution of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a high-impact, population-level strategy for smoking cessation; but underrepresentation of younger, and/or lighter, smokers challenges generalisability of findings to young adult smokers.

Aims

This naturalistic study examined how and with what effect young adult smokers used free nicotine patches provided through a mass mailout programme.

Methods

In total, 5,025 eligible 18–29 year-old smokers who accessed an online ordering platform received self-help materials and an 8-week course of patches matched to their consumption level (<10 cigarettes per day (cpd); ≥10 cpd). No other behavioural support occurred. Whether participants used patches correctly and achieved 30-day continuous abstinence at 6-month follow-up were assessed.

Results

Among 694 participants with complete data: 89% used some patches; 8% used the patches correctly for 8 weeks; 31.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.6, 34.7) achieved abstinence. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed the highest odds of abstinence was associated with the correct use of patches (odds ratio = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.5, 5.1).

Conclusions

Mass distribution of free patches may be an effective public health measure for supporting younger, lighter smokers to attempt cessation, reduce consumption, or achieve abstinence. Emphasising why and how to use NRT for the entire treatment course may enhance outcomes.

Keywords

Nicotine patchsmoking cessationtobacco useyoung adults
Type
Original Articles
Information
Journal of Smoking Cessation , Volume 15 , Issue 4 , December 2020 , pp. 206 - 213
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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