Smoking Cessation Flashcards
What is the epidemiology of smoking?
Prevalence of smoking:
Global issue: Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death worldwide.
Trends: Smoking rates have generally decreased in high-income countries, but remain high in low- and middle-income countries.
Age: Smoking initiation often begins in adolescence, with peak prevalence in the 18-34 age group.
Risk factors:
Socioeconomic status: Smoking is more prevalent among people with lower income and education levels.
Gender: Historically, smoking was more common in men, but the gap has narrowed in many regions.
Cultural and social norms: Smoking rates may be higher in certain cultures or peer groups.
Mental health: Higher rates of smoking are seen in individuals with mental health conditions (e.g., depression, anxiety, schizophrenia).
What are the health consequences of smoking?
Respiratory diseases:
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), Emphysema and chronic bronchitis, Lung cancer (leading cause).
Cardiovascular diseases:
Heart disease, Stroke, Peripheral vascular disease.
Other cancers:
Mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, bladder, kidney, and cervical cancers.
Premature death: Smokers have a significantly higher risk of early mortality compared to non-smokers.
What are the economics of smoking?
Cost of smoking:
Direct costs:
Healthcare expenditures due to smoking-related diseases (e.g., COPD, lung cancer).
Cost of hospitalizations, surgeries, and treatments.
Indirect costs:
Lost productivity due to smoking-related illness and premature death.
Workplace absenteeism and disability.
Economic burden on society:
Smoking is estimated to cost billions of dollars annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity globally.
Taxation:
Governments often impose high taxes on tobacco products to both reduce smoking and generate revenue for public health initiatives.
What are the political factors surrounding smoking?
Regulation and legislation:
Public smoking bans: Many countries have implemented laws that restrict smoking in indoor public places and workplaces.
Tobacco advertising: Increased regulation and bans on tobacco advertising, especially targeting youth.
Labeling: Mandatory health warnings on cigarette packaging, including graphic images of smoking-related diseases.
Tobacco control policies:
WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control: Global treaty that aims to reduce tobacco consumption through measures such as advertising bans, smoke-free laws, and tax increases.
Lobbying:
The tobacco industry lobbies governments to prevent or delay stricter tobacco control measures, often using economic arguments about job losses and industry revenue.
What are individual strategies to reduce smoking?
Behavioral interventions:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps individuals identify triggers and develop coping strategies to resist the urge to smoke.
Motivational interviewing: A counseling approach that helps individuals find their own reasons for quitting.
Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT):
Uses nicotine patches, gum, lozenges, or inhalers to reduce withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Prescription medications:
Bupropion (Zyban): Reduces cravings and withdrawal symptoms.
Varenicline (Chantix): Reduces cravings and decreases the pleasure of smoking.
Support systems:
Quitlines and support groups provide guidance and motivation to quit.
What are population-level strategies to reduce smoking?
Public health campaigns:
Large-scale media campaigns to raise awareness about the dangers of smoking (e.g., anti-smoking ads, quit smoking initiatives).
Smoke-free laws:
Legislation that prohibits smoking in public places, reducing secondhand smoke exposure and promoting social norms against smoking.
Tobacco taxation and pricing:
Increased tobacco taxes discourage smoking by making cigarettes more expensive, particularly for young people and low-income groups.
Tobacco control policies:
Plain packaging laws: Requiring standard packaging without logos or branding to make cigarettes less appealing.
Advertising restrictions: Banning tobacco advertisements, particularly those targeting youth and vulnerable populations.
Access to cessation services:
Making quit smoking programs and cessation aids widely available, including free or subsidized medications.
