Pip Aimer1, Lisa K Stamp1, Simon Stebbings2, Vicky Cameron1, Sandra Kirby3, Gareth J Treharne4. 1. Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand. 2. Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand. 3. Arthritis New Zealand, New Zealand. 4. Department of Psychology, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand.
Abstract
AIM: Smoking cessation is an important consideration in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the present study was to determine which aspects of a novel three-month smoking cessation intervention were most useful for people with RA, and to identify areas for improvement. METHOD:Thirty-eight current smokers with RA (19 intervention and 19 control) enrolled in a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) of smoking cessation and two arthritis educators who had provided the intervention were interviewed. The data were analysed thematically using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes. RESULTS: Intervention participants and the educators identified individualized support and advice as the two most important components of the smoking cessation intervention. The generic smoking cessation components and education about the links between smoking and RA were also identified as important. Nicotine replacement therapy was provided to all participants and was the most commonly reported facilitator of smoking cessation. People with RA who reported being ready to quit smoking had more success at smoking cessation. The educators were positive about ongoing provision of the smoking cessation intervention. CONCLUSION: The novel RA-specific smoking cessation intervention that had formed the basis of the previous RCT provided useful and varied options to assist quitting smoking in RA. Successful quitters were ready and motivated to quit smoking regardless of their randomization status, with nicotine replacement therapy an effective aid to quitting. Support offered by the educators was critical in the participants' perspective.
RCT Entities:
AIM: Smoking cessation is an important consideration in the management of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The aim of the present study was to determine which aspects of a novel three-month smoking cessation intervention were most useful for people with RA, and to identify areas for improvement. METHOD: Thirty-eight current smokers with RA (19 intervention and 19 control) enrolled in a previous randomized controlled trial (RCT) of smoking cessation and two arthritis educators who had provided the intervention were interviewed. The data were analysed thematically using a combination of deductive and inductive approaches to identify themes. RESULTS: Intervention participants and the educators identified individualized support and advice as the two most important components of the smoking cessation intervention. The generic smoking cessation components and education about the links between smoking and RA were also identified as important. Nicotine replacement therapy was provided to all participants and was the most commonly reported facilitator of smoking cessation. People with RA who reported being ready to quit smoking had more success at smoking cessation. The educators were positive about ongoing provision of the smoking cessation intervention. CONCLUSION: The novel RA-specific smoking cessation intervention that had formed the basis of the previous RCT provided useful and varied options to assist quitting smoking in RA. Successful quitters were ready and motivated to quit smoking regardless of their randomization status, with nicotine replacement therapy an effective aid to quitting. Support offered by the educators was critical in the participants' perspective.
Authors: Ida K Roelsgaard; Bente A Esbensen; Mikkel Østergaard; Silvia Rollefstad; Anne G Semb; Robin Christensen; Thordis Thomsen Journal: Cochrane Database Syst Rev Date: 2019-09-02
Authors: Ida Kristiane Roelsgaard; Thordis Thomsen; Mikkel Østergaard; Anne Grete Semb; Lena Andersen; Bente Appel Esbensen Journal: Int J Qual Stud Health Well-being Date: 2020-12