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Poster presentation:
Support of quitting in prisons: strategies and stakeholders in reaching this disadvantaged population group
Susan MacAskill
Abstract
The role of smoking in causing health inequalities is well recognised in UK, which is the only country to provide free support and free NRT for those on low incomes. Equitable services are required for prison populations (80% smokers). A series of studies explored quit rates, models of delivery and use of NRT, and barriers and facilitating factors. Whilst substantial quit rates have been achieved, organisational issues in developing services and funding NRT have an impact on success, and it is important to identify key strategic issues in developing services.
The paper draws on a regional case study covering 16 prisons and an earlier evaluation of four Department of Health funded pilot interventions. A mix of qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Qualitative in-depth individual and mini-group interviews were conducted with prison staff (n=28), stop smoking specialists (n=22) and prisoner participants (n=31). Quantitative returns were collated from 16 case study prisons.
The studies identified prisons where high participation levels and quit rates were achieved (up to 64% at 4 weeks), often better than obtained in disadvantaged communities within the region. However, considerable variations in achievements reflected organisational issues and barriers over and above differing delivery models, in spite of individual enthusiasm and policy pressures.
Findings will be discussed from a social marketing perspective, for example; identification of stakeholders within the prisons and specialist services, together with mutually beneficial exchanges or 'selling points' which will encourage engagement. Insights will contribute to effective service development across prison settings.
Biography
Susan MacAskill is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Social Marketing and the Centre for Tobacco Control Research at the University of Stirling and the Open University. Susan has extensive experience in researching smoking cessation and wider tobacco control issues, especially in disadvantaged and hard to reach communities. In particular, she has undertaken a series of studies addressing smoking cessation in prison settings, including evaluation of the pilot projects which informed the 'Acquited' guidelines, mapping involvement in cessation activities in prisons across England and Wales, and exploration of the impact of provision of funded NRT. Wider research interests include exploration and evaluation of interventions addressing health and social issues, from the perspective of service users, direct providers and other relevant stakeholders.
Author 1: Susan MacAskill
Senior Researcher
Institute of Social Marketing and CTCR
University of Stirling and Open University
Stirling
FK9 4LA
Author 2: Paul Hayton
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