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186290 Assessing access and utilization of Nicotine Replacement Therapy provided by The Maine Tobacco HelpLine among smokers

Tuesday, October 28, 2008: 10:30 AM

Cindy Tworek, PhD, MPH , School of Pharmacy/Translational Tobacco Reduction Program, West Virginia University/Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Ctr., Morgantown, WV
Amy Haskins, BA , Center for Outcomes Research, Center for Tobacco Independence/Maine Medical Center, Portland, ME
Susan Woods, MD, MPH , Dept. Medical Informatics & Clinical Epidemiology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR
Audio (mp3) recording Multimedia recording
OBJECTIVE: In 2002, Maine's Tobacco HelpLine began offering free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), including patch and/or gum, to uninsured adult smokers without NRT benefits. In 2005, a study assessed how smokers were accessing and using this free NRT to help quit. METHODS: Telephone surveys were conducted in June-July 2005 among 541 eligible HelpLine callers authorized for NRT between February-March 2005, with 393 complete interviews (73% response rate). Descriptive analyses and Chi-Square tests were conducted, including tests for significant differences by demographics and NRT utilization. RESULTS: Half of study respondents were aware of free NRT before calling the HelpLine and 95% reported NRT at least somewhat influenced their decision to call. Most respondents were very satisfied (88%) and reported this process as ‘very helpful' in their quit attempt (66%). Almost all respondents picked up NRT (99%), had no problems obtaining it (91%), and quit for at least 24 hours since calling the HelpLine (92%). Among those quitting for at least 24 hours, 95% used NRT; 28% reported interrupted NRT use and almost 40% reported side effects, most commonly skin reactions or abnormal dreams. Chi-square tests reported significant side effect differences by age, with more side effects among younger respondents. When surveyed, 50% reported abstinence from smoking, which significantly differed by NRT duration; smoking during NRT use; and timing of NRT use. CONCLUSIONS: Maine's NRT service model effectively encouraged smokers to contact the HelpLine and use NRT, demonstrating valuable opportunity for quitlines to provide NRT access and increase demand among motivated smokers.

Learning Objectives:
Describe access to nicotine replacement therapy among smokers calling the Maine Tobacco HelpLine. Describe utilization patterns of nicotine replacement therapy among smokers calling the Maine Tobacco HelpLine. Evaluate the effectiveness of Maine’s NRT service model to increase demand among smokers for tobacco treatment services.

Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Access to Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University in the Department of Pharmaceutical Systems and Policy, School of Pharmacy, and a core investigator in the Translational Tobacco Reduction Program (T2R2), Mary Babb Randolph Cancer Center. I received a Ph.D. in Epidemiology and Community Health from the State University of New York at Buffalo. Other graduate degrees include a Master in Public Health and M.S. in Public Policy Analysis from the University of Rochester. Previous professional and research experience include the following: Pacific Institute for Research and Evaluation, Calverton, MD (Associate Research Scientist); Maine Medical Center, Center for Tobacco Independence, Portland, ME (Behavioral Scientist); Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Department of Health Behavior, Buffalo, NY; and the Research Institute on Addictions, Buffalo, NY. My research has been primarily focused on tobacco control policy and tobacco cessation, including the study of how policy can affect health behavior outcomes related to smoking. My interest areas include: tobacco control, health policy, health behavior, and models to promote health and prevent disease. My recent work has also included health services research and efforts to effectively translate research into practice, improving public health and enhancing prevention practices among communities.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.

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