Use of nicotine replacement therapy in situations involving temporary abstinence from smoking: A national survey of English smokers
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Author(s)
Dr Emma Beard, Professor Susan Michie and Professor Robert West
Presenter(s)
Dr Emma Beard Research Associate, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London and UKCTCS
Abstract
Objectives: This study aimed to assess the prevalence of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) use in a range of situations involving temporary abstinence (TA), and the rated helpfulness of NRT in those situations. It also aimed to determine whether associations existed between use of NRT, attempts to quit smoking and cigarette consumption.
Method: 3,775 current smokers aged 16+ were interviewed in a national household survey inEngland. Participants were asked whether they regularly used NRT for TA in the office, at home, in a pub/bar, in a restaurant and/or while travelling. Demographic and smoking
characteristics, rated helpfulness of NRT, and incidence of quit attempts and cigarette consumption, were also assessed.
Results: Thirteen percent of smokers reported using regularly NRT for TA. The majority of these used NRT while at home or whilst travelling. Fifty-six percent of NRT users reported that NRT was moderately or very helpful. The nicotine inhalator and patch received higher helpfulness ratings than nicotine gum. The use of NRT in all situations was associated with increased odds of a prior attempt to quit smoking. Ratings of the helpfulness of NRT were not associated with either attempts to quit smoking or cigarette consumption per day.
Conclusion: Those using NRT for TA appear to be most likely to do so when they are at home and when travelling. Half of smokers report finding NRT products at least moderately helpful for such purposes. Use of NRT in all situations requiring TA is associated with having recently tried to quit smoking.
Source of funding: This study was funded by the English Department of Health, Cancer Research UK, Pfizer, Glaxo- SmithKline, and Johnson and Johnson, who had no involvement in the design of the study, the analysis or interpretation of the data, the writing of the report, or the decision to submit the paper for publication.
Declaration of interest: Emma Beard has received conference funding from Pfizer
