Smoking cessation support preferences among people released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to investigate the use, awareness, and preferences for smoking cessation support among individuals recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.
Results Summary
The study found that 32% of participants had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications before prison, while 26% used NRT in prison. Peer support groups were the most favored cessation method, and unsupported abstinence was slightly preferred over NRT post-release.
Population
People recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia, who reported daily tobacco use upon prison entry.
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications | no change | smoking cessation support | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 32% | had used | #1 |
NRT | no change | smoking cessation support | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 26% | reported use | #2 |
free Quitline telephone counselling | no change | smoking cessation support | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 3% | accessed | #3 |
peer smoking cessation support group | increase | smoking cessation support | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 42% | most favoured | #4 |
peer smoking cessation support group | increase | smoking cessation support | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 52% | most favoured | #5 |
unsupported abstinence ("cold turkey") | increase | helpful post-release cessation method | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 28% | slightly preferred | #6 |
NRT products | increase | helpful post-release cessation method | people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia | 24% | preferred | #7 |
PURPOSE: This study aims to investigate previous use, awareness and preferences for various forms of cessation support among a sample of people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH: A total of 114 people who were released from prison in the previous two months and reported daily tobacco use upon prison entry were recruited from 12 Probation and Parole offices across South-East Queensland to complete a survey measuring use, awareness and preferences for various forms of smoking cessation support before, during and after incarceration. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics. FINDINGS: In total, 32% of participants had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications prior to prison, and 26% reported NRT use while in prison. Only 3% of participants accessed free Quitline telephone counselling while in prison. The development of a peer smoking cessation support group was the most favoured form of smoking cessation support both within prison (42%) and after release (52%). Despite high awareness of the availability of subsidised products upon release (76%), unsupported abstinence ("cold turkey") was slightly preferred as a helpful post-release cessation method (28%), compared to NRT products (24%). ORIGINALITY/VALUE: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate preferences for smoking cessation support among people released from smoke-free prisons. Findings suggest that implementing prison- and community-based peer support cessation programs and facilitating widespread provision of NRT in prison and post-release should be a priority to reduce high levels of smoking-related morbidity and mortality among this population.