National project on the effectiveness of tobacco interventions

Tobacco is still a main risk factors for the burden of diseases globally and in Sweden. Tobacco has a heavy social gradient, as the consequences are worse among disadvantaged and vulnerable groups.

Despite the low smoking prevalence in Sweden it differs across groups, with a prevalence of 80% in patients addicted to alcohol/drugs.

To reduce inequity in health it is necessary to reach out to and offer effective tobacco cessation interventions to those most in need.

The aim is to facilitate and improve the evaluation of national tobacco cessation efforts in real-life, focusing on vulnerable groups of tobacco users.This research project builds on initiatives from the national network of tobacco researchers.

We are recruiting counsellors/clinics as well as tobacco users; all tools (questionnaires, homepage, REDCap database ect.) are developed and tested and the project has been approved by the EPN & DI.

Due to Covid-19 it has been impossible to follow the original plan, as other tasks have been prioritised in the clinics and therefore we have extended the previous grant to cover a longer calendar period.

We have very actively presented the project and now the recruitment is intensive with contact to 1200 tobacco counsellors/clinics throughout Sweden. So far 10 clinics have finalised the sign up process and are including participants.

As the clinical priority is reinstating it is important to continue the high activity level and focus on recruitment and inclusion to the project. The analyses on effectiveness will be conducted and important factors for quitting identified.

Results will be disseminated in scientific forums, peer-reviewed journals, and at national and international conferences.

Information will be available to the public, the individual tobacco user, politicians, healthcare providers and planners as these are all important stakeholders.The study contributes to closing the knowledge gap on effectiveness of interventions for vulnerable tobacco users.