Lecture 4 - Smoking Cessation Flashcards
What is secondary prevention? What are some examples?
Secondary prevention is the action taken in order to treat an injury or illness early in order to stop or reverse the problem. Some examples are exercising to reduce weight, going to dentist to treat tooth decay, quitting smoking before surgery
Why is smoking cessation important?
- Smoking is an addiction and it is bad for our health (current smokers die earlier than non-smokers, 2 per hour). *Smoking-related illnesses are massive burdens on our health care costs.
- A large proportion of people smoke 10-15% of population.
- In Australia, tobacco smoking is the leading PREVENTABLE cause of morbidity and mortality.
- We know people CAN quit smoking and can reduce the risk of disease by quitting.
- Resources aimed at preventing people smoking is cheaper than treating diseases later
What are examples of the clinical secondary prevention strategies for smoking cessation? Which is most effective?
Clinical prevention strategies - health professionals providing Nicotine Replacement therapies and advising smokers to quit.
Behavioural therapies - MI (educate about effects of smoking, guide patient toward behaviour change, collaborative approach), reduction vs cold turkey and self-management strategies (eg identifying cues, relaxation methods etc).
Relapse prevention strategies - IMPORTANT
Combination of strategies is MOST effective - eg NRT + self-management + MI
What are some types of smoke-free policies?
No smoking in car with children under 16
No smoking in enclosed spaces
No smoking in planes, hospitals or public transport
No smoking on public playgrounds, national parks or outdoor dining areas
What are some of the trends of smoking?
People who have never smoked has increased whilst ex smokers and daily smokers have decreased (halved) in the past 30 years. Exposure to smoke at home has also greatly decreased. Smokers consume less cigarettes than 5 years ago.
What are examples of the Legislative secondary prevention strategies for smoking cessation?
Public health and legislative approaches - smoke free policies, taxation on tobacco, quitline services, advertising (showing negative effects of smoking and positive effects of cessation) + regulations on not being able to advertise smoking in positive way at all!, use of media to send messages.
Which smokers are at most risk?
People with mental health issues (psychosis etc) are more at risk than the general population. Highest risk is those with substance use disorders.
What are the general trends of smokers with mental health problems?
- More nicotine dependent
- No smoking cessation strategies targeted at this group
- Higher risk of tobacco related illness
