Pacientes embarazadas

Smokers Who Get Help Picking the Flavour of E-cigarette and Receive Supportive Text Messages are More Likely to Quit, Research Finds

Smoking is a global health concern, causing approximately 8 million deaths each year. Despite numerous efforts to reduce smoking rates, many effective treatments have had limited success in helping people quit. However, a recent study conducted by London South Bank University (LSBU) has discovered a promising approach that significantly increases the chances of quitting smoking. The research focused on the role of e-cigarettes in aiding smoking cessation and found that smokers who received assistance in choosing the flavor of their e-cigarettes, along with supportive text messages, were much more likely to quit successfully.

Exploring the Potential of Vapes in Smoking Cessation

Led by Professor Lynne Dawkins, an expert in nicotine and tobacco studies at LSBU, the study aimed to investigate how vapes could assist individuals addicted to smoking in giving up the habit. The findings were compelling, with a quarter of the participants successfully quitting smoking after three months, and an additional 13% significantly reducing their cigarette consumption by more than half.

The Impact of Flavor Choice and Supportive Messages

One of the key findings of the study was the significant influence of flavor choice and supportive messages on smoking cessation. Participants who received guidance in selecting the flavor of their e-cigarettes, combined with encouraging text messages, were found to be 55% more likely to quit smoking within three months compared to those who did not receive such services.

Professor Dawkins emphasized the potential impact of tailored support through flavor advice and supportive messages, stating that it could have a profound effect on helping people lead smoke-free lives. This personalized approach provides individuals with the necessary tools and encouragement to overcome the challenges associated with quitting smoking.

Examining Different Approaches to Smoking Cessation

To assess the effectiveness of various interventions, the research explored five different approaches to increasing smoking cessation rates among individuals who received e-cigarettes purchased online. These approaches included tailored advice on product selection, nicotine strength, and flavor, as well as brief information on the harms of vaping compared to smoking, and text message support. The study involved 1,214 participants recruited through social media platforms and was delivered in collaboration with partners from University College London (UCL), University of East Anglia (UEA), and University of New South Wales (UNSW).

The "Swap to Stop" Scheme: A Nationwide Initiative

In a significant move to promote smoking cessation, the UK government announced a pioneering scheme called "swap to stop." Under this initiative, one million smokers in England will be offered vape starter kits, marking the first nationwide program of its kind in the world. The scheme, which aims to make the nation "smoke-free" by 2030, offers smokers a choice of products, strengths, and flavors. The cost of this two-year initiative, totaling £45 million, will be covered by the Department of Health and Social Care's budget.

While welcomed as a step in the right direction by Deborah Arnott, the chief executive of the Action on Smoking and Health campaign, she emphasizes the need for more comprehensive efforts. While vapes and vouchers for pregnant smokers have proven to increase the chances of successful quitting, additional measures are necessary to achieve the ambitious goal of reducing smoking rates to less than 5% by 2030.

Conclusion

The research conducted by London South Bank University provides valuable insights into the potential of vapes in smoking cessation efforts. The study highlights the importance of personalized support, including flavor selection guidance and supportive text messages, in significantly increasing the likelihood of successfully quitting smoking. These findings emphasize the need for tailored interventions that address individual preferences and provide ongoing encouragement throughout the cessation journey.

{finish}

FAQs

Q1: What did the research conducted by London South Bank University (LSBU) reveal about smoking cessation? The research revealed that smokers who received assistance in choosing the flavor of their e-cigarettes, along with supportive text messages, were much more likely to quit successfully.

Q2: How many participants quit smoking after three months according to the study? A quarter of the participants successfully quit smoking after three months, and an additional 13% significantly reduced their cigarette consumption by more than half.

Q3: What interventions were explored in the study to increase smoking cessation rates? The study examined tailored advice on product selection, nicotine strength, and flavor, along with brief information on the harms of vaping relative to smoking, and text message support.

Q4: What is the "swap to stop" scheme introduced by the UK government? The "swap to stop" scheme offers one million smokers in England vape starter kits, providing a choice of products, strengths, and flavors in an effort to make the nation "smoke-free" by 2030.

Q5: What is the goal of reducing smoking rates by 2030? The goal is to reduce smoking rates to less than 5% by 2030, ensuring a significant improvement in public health and reducing the harmful effects of smoking.