Project description:IntroductionIntegrated care is likely to improve outcomes in strained healthcare systems while limiting costs. NCD clinics were introduced under the "National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Disease, and Stroke" (NPCDCS) in India; however, there is limited literature on the costs of delivering tobacco cessation interventions within NPCDCS. One of the study's objectives was to estimate the cost of delivering a culturally specific patient-centric behavioral intervention package in two district-level NCD clinics in Punjab, India.MethodsCosting was undertaken using the health systems perspective. A top-down or financial costing approach and a bottom-up or activity-based approach were employed at each step of development and implementation. The opportunity cost was used to include the cost of human resources, infrastructure, and capital resources used. All infrastructure and capital costs were annualized using a 3% annual discount rate. Four additional scenarios were built up concerning three major components to reduce costs further when rolled out on a large scale.ResultsThe cost of intervention package development, human resource training, and unit cost of implementation were estimated to be INR 6,47,827 (USD 8,874); INR 134,002 (USD 1810); and INR 272 (USD 3.67), respectively. Based on our sensitivity analysis results, the service delivery cost varied from INR 184 (USD 2.48) to INR 326 (USD 4.40) per patient.ConclusionThe development costs of the intervention package accounted for the majority proportion of the total cost. Of the total unit cost of implementation, the telephonic follow-up, human resources, and capital resources were the major contributory components.ImplicationsThe current study aims to fill gaps by estimating the unit-level health systems cost of a culturally sensitive, disease-specific, and patient-centric tobacco cessation intervention package delivered at the outpatient settings of NCD clinics at the secondary level hospital, which represents a major link in the health care system of India. Findings from this study could be used to provide supportive evidence to policymakers and program managers for rolling out such interventions in established NCD clinics through the NPCDCS program of the Indian Government.
Project description:BackgroundWith the growth in use of mobile messages for behaviour change, the need to incorporate personal needs and cultural characteristics of target users has been promoted. The study aimed to describe the findings of content validation of mobile messages designed to promote smokeless tobacco cessation in primary care.MethodsThis study used a concurrent mixed-method approach with 13 patients who were tobacco users at urban primary care clinics. The clarity and appeal of 32 messages were rated on a Likert scale from 1 to 10. A mean clarity and appeal score per message was generated. A 5-item discussion guide was used for in-depth interviews and data was analysed using framework analysis.ResultsParticipants found the content of the messages useful, and preferred shorter and audio formatted messages. The clarity scores for the messages ranged from 7.9 to 9.4 with an average score of 8.7 (SD 0.5). The appeal scores ranged from 7.3 to 9.2, with an average score of 8.5 (SD 0.6).ConclusionsTwenty-six from a total of 32 messages were found appropriate and finalised for use. This methodology can be used when developing contextually relevant mobile message interventions in other low resource settings.
Project description:ObjectivesThe Government of India prohibited the sale of tobacco products during the COVID-19 lockdown to prevent the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. This study assessed the tobacco cessation behaviour and its predictors among adult tobacco users during the initial COVID-19 lockdown period in India.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted with 801 adult tobacco users (both smoking and smokeless tobacco) in two urban metropolitan cities of India over a 2-month period (July to August 2020). The study assessed complete tobacco cessation and quit attempts during the lockdown period. Logistic and negative binomial regression models were used to study the correlates of tobacco cessation and quit attempts, respectively.ResultsIn total, 90 (11.3%) tobacco users reported that they had quit using tobacco after the COVID-19 lockdown period. Overall, a median of two quit attempts (interquartile range 0-6) was made by tobacco users. Participants with good knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 were significantly more likely to quit tobacco use (odds ratio [OR] 2.2; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.2-4.0) and reported more quit attempts (incidence risk ratio 5.7; 95% CI 2.8-11.8) compared to those with poor knowledge. Participants who had access to tobacco products were less likely to quit tobacco use compared to those who had no access (OR 0.3; 95% CI 0.2-0.5].ConclusionsAccess restrictions and correct knowledge on the harmful effects of tobacco use and COVID-19 can play an important role in creating a conducive environment for tobacco cessation among users.
Project description:IntroductionThe youth are a vulnerable population-group for tobacco-related harms. Schools are an excellent setting for health promotion; yet there is a dearth of school-based cessation interventions, rarely evaluated for their impact. Here, we assess the impact of the LifeFirst program: an ongoing tobacco and supari (areca nut) cessation intervention delivered to students from corporation schools in Mumbai city.MethodsWe used a prospective quasi-experimental design with an intervention and a control arm embedded within an ongoing LifeFirst program in select schools. We used a difference-in-difference analysis with baseline and end-line surveys to assess the program's impact on students' knowledge about harms, students' refusal skills, and prevalence of tobacco/supari use. We report our work using the TREND statement checklist.ResultsA total of 959 students registered in the LifeFirst program. In our analysis, we included 827 students who completed both the baseline and end-line surveys. Postintervention, we found both tobacco and supari use reduced substantially among the intervention group while tobacco use increased among the control group. The difference-in-difference estimates show a statistically significant reduction of 17.9 and 38.1 percentage points in the intervention group for tobacco and supari use respectively, beyond the reduction in the control group.ConclusionsThe LifeFirst program was successful in reducing tobacco and supari use among the study participants and protected students in the intervention group against new uptake of tobacco. It helped improve knowledge score and refusal skills among students. Implementation and evaluation of similar school-based programs should be considered as part of a multi-strategy approach to reducing tobacco use among young people.
Project description:BackgroundIndia is the world's second largest consumer of tobacco, but tobacco cessation remains uncommon due, at least in part, to underutilization of cessation pharmacotherapy. We evaluated the availability, sales, and affordability of nicotine replacement therapy, bupropion, and varenicline in the South Indian state of Kerala to understand potential reasons for underutilization.Methods and resultsFrom November 2016 to April 2017, we collected data on availability, inventory, and pricing of cessation medication through a cross-sectional survey of 199 public, semiprivate (Karunya), and private pharmacies across 5 districts in Kerala using World Health Organization/Health Action International methodology. Revenue and sales data were obtained from the latest Pharmatrac medication database. We assessed affordability using individual- and household-level income and expenditure data collected from November 2014 to November 2016 through the Acute Coronary Syndrome Quality Improvement in Kerala randomized trial. Cessation medications were not available in public hospitals (0%, n=58) nor in public specialty centers (0%, n=10) including those designated to provide cessation services. At least 1 cessation medicine was available at 63% of private pharmacies (n=109) and 27% of Karunya (semiprivate) pharmacies (n=22). Among the 75 pharmacies that stocked cessation medications, 96% had nicotine replacement therapy, 28% had bupropion, and 1% had varenicline. No outlets had sufficient inventory for a patient to purchase a 12-week treatment regimen. There were an estimated 253 270 treatment regimens sold throughout India and 14 092 in Kerala in 2013 to 2014. Treatment regimens cost 1.9 to 13.0× the median amount spent on smoked tobacco and between 8% and 52% of nonsubsistence income.ConclusionsTobacco cessation medications are unavailable in the Kerala public sector and have limited availability in the private and semiprivate sectors. When available, medications are unaffordable for most patients. Addition of tobacco cessation medication onto national and state essential medicines lists may help increase access.Clinical trial registrationURL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT02256657.
Project description:IntroductionDespite the high burden of tobacco use in India, users do not have access to adequate help. This pilot trial aimed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a text messaging intervention for tobacco cessation, generate preliminary estimates of its impact, and fine-tune procedures for a definitive trial.Aims and methodsParallel two-arm single blind individually randomized controlled pilot trial with nested qualitative study. Participants included adult current tobacco users (smoked and smokeless). Eligible and consenting participants were randomized to receive either (1) text messaging intervention (ToQuit) which covered specific content areas such as psychoeducation about consequences of tobacco use and benefits of quitting and tobacco avoidance strategies or (2) information about tobacco cessation helplines such as the helpline number and the languages in which tobacco cessation support was available (control). Feasibility data included screening and consent rates, treatment dropouts, and outcome ascertainment. The primary abstinence outcome was self-reported abstinence from tobacco in the past seven days at 3 months post-randomization. In-depth interviews were conducted with a subsample of participants primarily to collect acceptability data. The primary abstinence analysis used a chi-squared test and logistic regression (complete case), and qualitative data was analyzed using thematic analysis.ResultsNinety-eight participants were randomized into the two trial arms; 77 (79%) completed outcome evaluation. No between-arm differences in abstinence were found though findings favored the intervention (7-day abstinence: ToQuit 23%, control 19%; adjusted odds ratio 1.23, 95% confidence interval 0.38, 3.97). Participants appreciated the language, comprehensibility, and relevance of the messages; and reported overall satisfaction with and positive impact from the intervention on their lives.ConclusionsThe findings indicate the acceptability and feasibility of ToQuit and if found effective, it could be a potentially scalable first-line response to tobacco use in low-resource settings.ImplicationsOur pilot randomized control trial provides sufficient findings supporting the acceptability and feasibility of an intervention for tobacco cessation which is suitable for a context which has a shortage of healthcare workers and for individuals who use smoked or smokeless tobacco. This is critical on a background of limited contextually relevant interventions for a problem with a high burden in low- and middle-income countries such as India.
Project description:BackgroundAlmost 80% of global tobacco usage is concentrated in low- and-middle-income countries (LMICs) like India. Added to this, there is dearth of dedicated tobacco cessation specialist services in healthcare settings in these regions. Identification of challenges in the delivery of cessation interventions and understanding the experiences of tobacco users will aid in formulating successful quit strategies.ObjectivesThis qualitative study in India aimed to understand the perspectives of tobacco-using patients in healthcare facilities regarding tobacco use and cessation.MethodsThis qualitative study was conducted in urban and rural areas of four study sites, two each in the North and South India. Using purposive sampling, patients who were tobacco users were selected from healthcare facilities. The interviews were transcribed, coded and organised into themes. Analysis was done using NVivo 10 software.ResultsA total of 22 in-depth interviews were conducted on participants aged 23 to 80 years who were either current or past tobacco users. A majority of the participants were aware of their increased health risks associated with tobacco consumption and had attempted quitting; however, barriers such as peer influence, formed habit, certain cultural barriers and the addictive nature of nicotine prevented them from successfully quitting. Familial and peer support, the government's role in spreading public awareness, and limiting the sale of tobacco were stated as facilitators for tobacco cessation.ConclusionsThe findings of this study point out that despite awareness of the perils of tobacco among smokers, there are various barriers and beliefs related to tobacco use and cessation. These findings would prove advantageous for policy-makers to implement and promote addiction treatment programmes for successful tobacco cessation efforts. In order to optimise strategies, policies must be well informed by ongoing dialogue between the public, service providers and policy-makers.
Project description:BackgroundTobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats, killing nearly seven million people annually. With implementation of smoke-free public places legislation, cabs in India are smoke free. However, large majority of cab drivers are addicted to tobacco.AimsThe objectives were to measure cab drivers' knowledge, attitude, and practices about tobacco pre and post intervention, educate them regarding hazards of tobacco and need for smoke-free cabs, perform oral cancer screening, and provide assistance to quit tobacco.Subjects and methodsThis interventional study among cab drivers was conducted in Mumbai during 2015-2018. Different cab unions in Mumbai were contacted and 400 cab drivers were enrolled and interviewed. They were offered health education, oral cancer screening, and tobacco cessation assistance at regular intervals for 1 year.ResultsAbout 63.8% of cab drivers used tobacco, mainly in smokeless forms. Almost 94.1% intended to quit, 66.3% had made previous quit attempts, and 69.8% expressed the need of assistance for quitting. One hundred and twelve cab drivers were diagnosed with oral precancers and one with oral carcinoma. About 49.4% of cab drivers quit tobacco and 46.7% reduced tobacco consumption at the end of 1 year. According to multivariate logistic regression analysis, Muslim cab drivers were less likely to quit tobacco as compared to Hindus.ConclusionAdherence to smoke-free laws plays a significant role in reducing exposure of cab drivers to secondhand smoke. This program demonstrates the successful implementation of tobacco cessation program that could be replicated among other workforces.
Project description:BackgroundAmong Alaska Native women residing in the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta region of Western Alaska, about 79% smoke cigarettes or use smokeless tobacco during pregnancy. Treatment methods developed and evaluated among Alaska Native pregnant tobacco users do not exist. This pilot study used a randomized two-group design to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a targeted cessation intervention for Alaska Native pregnant women.MethodsRecruitment occurred over an 8-month period. Enrolled participants were randomly assigned to the control group (n = 18; brief face-to-face counseling at the first visit and written materials) or to the intervention group (n = 17) consisting of face-to-face counseling at the first visit, four telephone calls, a video highlighting personal stories, and a cessation guide. Interview-based assessments were conducted at baseline and follow-up during pregnancy (>or=60 days postrandomization). Feasibility was determined by the recruitment and retention rates.ResultsThe participation rate was very low with only 12% of eligible women (35/293) enrolled. Among enrolled participants, the study retention rates were high in both the intervention (71%) and control (94%) groups. The biochemically confirmed abstinence rates at follow-up were 0% and 6% for the intervention and control groups, respectively.DiscussionThe low enrollment rate suggests that the program was not feasible or acceptable. Alternative approaches are needed to improve the reach and efficacy of cessation interventions for Alaska Native women.
Project description:BackgroundCigarette smoking among persons living with HIV (PLWH) is a pressing public health concern, and efforts to evaluate cessation treatments are needed. The purpose of the present study was to assess potential mechanisms of a cell phone-delivered intervention for HIV-positive smokers.MethodsData from 350 PLWH enrolled in a randomized smoking cessation treatment trial were utilized. Participants were randomized to either usual care (UC) or a cell phone intervention (CPI) group. The independent variable of interest was treatment group membership, while the dependent variable of interest was smoking abstinence at a 3-month follow-up. The hypothesized treatment mechanisms were depression, anxiety, social support, quit motivation and self-efficacy change scores.ResultsAbstinence rates in the UC and CPI groups were 4.7% (8 of 172) and 15.7% (28 of 178), respectively. The CPI group (vs. UC) experienced a larger decline in depression between baseline and the 3-month follow-up, and a decline in anxiety. Self-efficacy increased for the CPI group and declined for the UC group. Quit motivation and social support change scores did not differ by treatment group. Only self-efficacy met the predefined criteria for mediation. The effect of the cell phone intervention on smoking abstinence through change in self-efficacy was statistically significant (p<0.001) and accounted for 17% of the total effect of the intervention on abstinence.ConclusionsThe findings further emphasize the important mechanistic function of self-efficacy in promoting smoking cessation for PLWH. Additional efforts are required to disentangle the relationships between emotional, distress motivation, and efficacious smoking cessation treatment.