The prevalence of adult tobacco users who utilize the emergency department as patients or parents is disproportionately higher than the national average rates of tobacco use. Thus, it is advised that the emergency department be utilized as a venue for providing tobacco cessation counseling to adult tobacco users. Using a randomized control trial design, this pilot study evaluated the effect of a brief tobacco cessation intervention for tobacco using parents of children brought to a pediatric emergency department. Participants received either usual care or a brief tobacco cessation intervention based on the first 2 of the 5A's of the Clinical Practice Guidelines and fax referral to the Quitline. The primary outcome was self-reported repeated point prevalence of tobacco use at 6 weeks and 3 months following the intervention. Secondary aims included number of quit attempts, increases in readiness to quit, comparisons of participants who were successfully retained, and contact rates by Quitline counselors. At 3-month follow-up, compared to the Usual Care Control group, intervention participants were more likely to have made at least one quit attempt (59% vs. 34%; p<.01), be seriously thinking about quitting (68% vs. 37%; p<.001), and have higher Ladder scores (6.2 vs. 5.3; p<.05). Study personnel were able to contact 68% and 52%, respectively, of participants at 6-week and 3-month follow-up. Quitline counselors were unable to reach 54% of participants. Our results reveal increased intentions to quit and trends toward quitting, however we experienced difficulties with participant retention. Suggestions for improvements in point prevalence and retention are given.

No abstract

Military personnel are increasingly transitioning out of the military. Veterans bring varied strengths and experiences to their academic journey as they enter colleges and universities. Many campuses are responding to the unique needs of these veterans by offering academic, emotional, and personal support to assist them in their quest for a university degree. This article describes an exploratory qualitative study of the benefits of a mindfulness skills group program designed to assist student veterans in coping with stressors related to their transition from warrior to student on a large campus that has a robust veteran-friendly initiative. This program was offered in a group format over three semesters and served 14 students. Qualitative data on perceived benefits of the program were collected from nine of these students using prepost questionnaires and feedback from a post-intervention focus group. Data analysis indicated several themes related to perceived benefits of participating in the mindfulness skills groups. Findings suggested students attributed improved emotional and physical coping, positive changes in personal functioning, improved organizational capabilities, and improved stress management skills to participation in the mindfulness skills group. Lessons learned from implementing this program are offered.