Mobile Smoking Cessation Service for Elderly Smokers
Author Information
Author(s): Abdullah Abu Saleh, Lam Tai-Hing, Chan Steve KK, Leung Gabriel M, Chi Iris, Ho Winnie WN, Chan Sophia SC
Primary Institution: Department of International Health, Boston University School of Public Health
Hypothesis
Can a mobile smoking cessation service effectively reach elderly smokers and help them quit?
Conclusion
The mobile smoking cessation programme was well-received by elderly Chinese smokers and achieved a quit rate comparable to other comprehensive programmes.
Supporting Evidence
- The validated quit rate was 20.3% at 6 months.
- Smoking less than 11 cigarettes per day was a significant predictor of quitting.
- Adherence to nicotine replacement therapy for 4 weeks or more was also a significant predictor.
Takeaway
This study shows that a mobile clinic can help older smokers quit smoking, making it easier for them to get support.
Methodology
The study involved a mobile smoking cessation programme that provided counselling and nicotine replacement therapy to elderly smokers, with follow-ups at 1, 3, and 6 months.
Potential Biases
Participation was voluntary, which may have led to a selection bias towards more motivated smokers.
Limitations
The study lacked a control group for comparison and relied on self-reported data for some outcomes.
Participant Demographics
{"gender":{"male":71,"female":29},"age":{"60-69":21,"70-79":41,"80 or above":38},"occupational_status":{"retired":86,"unemployed":6,"employed":1,"homemakers":7},"marital_status":{"single":15,"married":44,"divorced_separated_widowed":41}}
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.01
Confidence Interval
95% CI: 16.2%–24.8%
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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