Tobacco dependence treatment for special populations: challenges and opportunities

Abstract

Although smoking rates have declined in most of the countries in the world, there are population groups within these countries whose smoking rates remain significantly higher than the general population. These ''forgotten groups'' who have not been receiving the needed attention in tobacco control policies and tobacco cessation efforts include people with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, tuberculosis, people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), lesbian-gaybisexual-transgender-queer people, and pregnant women. A number of steps are needed at the national level in countries where these disparities exist, including modifications to national smoking cessation treatment guidelines that address the special needs of these populations, as well as targeted smoking cessation research, since these populations are often not included in clinical trials. Because of the higher smoking prevalence in these populations, as well as their lower smoking cessation treatment success rates than the general population, more resources are needed if we are to reduce health disparities in these vulnerable populations. Additionally, we believe that more effort should be focused on integrating smoking cessation treatment in the specialized care settings frequented by these subpopulations.

Quality of service and commitment to tobacco dependence treatment for individuals living with mental disorders in France: A pilot study

“…Psychiatrists and trainees should be targeted as the most critical audience for such purposes, given their low commitment to smoking cessation treatment. It is crucial to favor their awareness about the still high prevalence of smoking among PLWMD and its association with higher rates of morbidity and premature mortality when compared to general population (Anthenelli et al, 2016; Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2020; Evins et al, 2015; Loreto et al, 2017).…”

“…Two previous studies used ITTQ in different countries (Castaldelli-Maia et al, 2020; Cupertino et al, 2013). Cupertino et al (2013) administered it to a stratified sample of 405 facility administrators selected from all 3,800 U.S. adult outpatient facilities the U.S.…”

“…Cupertino et al (2013) administered it to a stratified sample of 405 facility administrators selected from all 3,800 U.S. adult outpatient facilities the U.S. In Portugal, Castaldelli-Maia et al (2020) assessed nicotine dependence treatment quality before training professionals who work in the Portuguese substance use disorder treatment network ( n = 203). The mean score per item found in the present French study (2.2) was lower than those found by Cupertino et al (2013) in their U.S. representative sample (2.7), and Castaldelli-Maia et al (2021) in their convenience sample of Portuguese substance use disorder treatment providers (2.5).…”

Sex differences in smoking cessation: a retrospective cohort study in a psychosocial care unit in Brazil

“…Despite results of epidemiological and psychometric studies reporting comparable levels of tobacco dependence among males and females, 5 , 6 some disparities have been detected in clinical studies. 7 , 8 Females more frequently seek treatment than males, 9 but employ anti-smoking medications less often. 10 In addition, there are more reports of side effects associated with smoking cessation medication and craving in females.…”

Challenges and perspectives of tobacco cessation in special groups of patients and populations

“…In the past decade, public awareness of tobacco cessation strategies and treatment approaches has been increasing; however, there is scant evidence on smoking cessation interventions targeting special subgroups of the population. Studies have shown that tobacco control is crucial among special groups of patients or disadvantaged populations who may face unique challenges related to tobacco use, as support services tailored to their specific needs are essential in reducing tobacco consumption and improving their overall health outcomes [ 6 ]. Tobacco smokers with bronchial asthma, COPD patients, diabetic patients, pregnant and lactating women, and adolescents, the latter being a particularly important group to focus on when it comes to tobacco control, are often not included in scientific research studies, even though they exhibit high rates of nicotine addiction and represent great challenges in terms of tobacco screening and cessation counselling [ 7 ].…”