AS373 - Understanding older smokers’ unique challenges in quitting: prelude to a smoking cessation RCT in the WHI Extension 2

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Investigator Names and Contact Information

Hilary Tindle, MD [tindleha@upmc.edu ]  and  Kathryn Weaver, PhD [keweaver@wakehealth.edu]

Introduction

Smoking has been characterized as a critical geriatric health issue, with an estimated 3.8 million older adults in the US at risk for poor health due to smoking related illness. Our recent systematic review of smoking cessation programs for older smokers found that in general, guideline-based strategies are appropriate for older smokers, but absolute quit rates remain low. Furthermore, published data on older smokers' attitudes and beliefs about smoking and smoking cessation are sparse. This represents an important gap, as motivations for smoking cessation, willingness to use medications, and barriers to cessation may be unique to older adults. The purpose of this pilot study is to gather data to inform the design of a randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation intervention among participants of the Women's Health Initiative (WHI). In this pilot, we will focus on participants from the WHI Extension 2 (total n= 93,515) who indicated that they were smoking during year 6 and /or close-out (year 8/9) of the Main Study (estimated n = 2700). In this pilot, we will further restrict to women who are part of the SERC (estimated n = 800). We will collect data (via mailed questionnaire) on smoking characteristics, motivation to quit, perceived barriers to quitting, preferences for a smoking cessation intervention, and willingness to participate in a future trial.

Specific Aims:

1.   To survey all current and recent smokers in the SERC of the WHI Extension 2 in order to characterize important aspects of their smoking

2.   To determine the willingness of current smokers to enroll in a future study for smoking cessation.

3.   To understand what specific treatment components (behavioral, pharmacologic, combination) would be desirable to older female smokers.