Abstract: Introduction: The mediating role of cessation medications in the association between health professional advice and quitting behaviors is unclear. Methods: Data were from the Ontario Tobacco Survey longitudinal study, collected between July

Abstract: Objectives: The number of quit attempts it takes a smoker to quit successfully is a commonly reported figure among smoking cessation programmes, but previous estimates have been based on lifetime recall in cross-sectional samples of success

With limited population-level research, myths about smoking cessation persist. Research from the Ontario Tobacco Survey (OTS) has improved our understanding of smoking cessation in the general population. Key facts and findings are summarized, includ

Abstract Background and Aims: Electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) have been steadily increasing in popularity among smokers, most of whom report using them to quit smoking. This study systematically reviews the current literature on the effectivenes

This newsletter focuses on the results from the RECIG Expert Panel, an international and multidisciplinary meeting with experts in tobacco control. Key conclusions from the Expert Panel relate to the health effects of e-cigarettes, their effectivenes

Tobacco control mass media campaigns are a key element of comprehensive tobacco control strategies. Over the past decade, 94% of Ontario smokers were exposed to tobacco control mass media, general tobacco media stories, or pharmaceutical ads. Exposur

Ontario has a diverse population with one third born outside Canada but little is known about how living in an immigrant neighbourhood affects smoking. Data from OTRU finds that Ontario smokers from neighbourhoods with high proportions of immigrants

In collaboration with public health units, OTRU conducted an evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act outdoor smoking regulations that banned smoking on restaurant/bar patios, playgrounds and sports fields effective January 1, 2015. Findings suggest

Abstract Objectives: Individuals seeking information about electronic cigarettes are increasingly turning to social media networks like Twitter. We surveyed dominant Twitter communications about e-cigarettes and smoking cessation, examining message s

Key Findings: Past 30-day use of various tobacco products (including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, snuff or chewing tobacco, but not including waterpipe and electronic cigarettes) reported by Ontarians aged 12 years or older was 20% – statistically lowe

Social cohesion is “the extent of connectedness and solidarity among groups in society”. In Ontario, high social cohesion increased the odds of making a quit attempt regardless of whether smokers lived in deprived or affluent neighbourhoods. Ontario

In Canada, 9.1% of adult smokers are 65 years of age or older. They tend to be longer-term smokers, often with various health concerns and greater health care costs than nonsmokers their age. The majority of older smokers in Ontario are trying to qui

This update provides a snapshot of two current projects supported by OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team: Monitoring the Integration of the 5As Approach to Cessation in Central West Ontario, and Tobacco Vendor Education: A Needs Assessment i

Abstract Background: All over the world, Indigenous populations have remarkably high rates of commercial tobacco use compared to non-Indigenous groups. The high rates of commercial tobacco use in Indigenous populations have led to a variety of health

Many researchers use a definition of quit attempt that requires any attempt at cessation to last longer than 24 hours. Using data from OTRU’s Ontario Tobacco Survey, this update examines factors associated with making quit attempts that last more tha

This newsletter provides a snapshot of two current projects supported by OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team: an evaluation of the Smoke-Free Ontario Act Outdoor Smoking Restrictions using data from four case study locations across Ontario,

This newsletter about the Research on Non-Traditional Tobacco Reduction in Aboriginal Communities (RETRAC) project includes an update on research being conducted with exemplar communities and community-based research with Aboriginal communities in On

The Ontario Tobacco Research Unit (OTRU), in partnership with the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), has undertaken a multi-component research study of e-cigarettes. This project newsletter provides an update on our social media analysis,

The first in the series of 2015-2016 newsletters from OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team provides a summary of activities and project progress this year. Project highlights in this issue include: plans to evaluate TO2015 Smoke-Free Games Po

Abstract: In 2010, Waterloo Region Housing (Canada) enacted a smoke-free (SF) housing policy that made all new leases in their community-housing portfolio (2722 units) 100 % SF. Existing lease holders were ‘grandfathered’—meaning tenants could still

OTRU has been working with Smoke-Free Ontario partners to evaluate workplace-based smoking cessation demonstration projects in various public health units across Ontario. This newsletter reports on evaluation findings relevant to the construction sec

OTRU has been working with Smoke-Free Ontario partners to evaluate workplace-based smoking cessation demonstration projects in various public health units across Ontario. The workplace demonstration projects aimed to reduce present levels of smoking

This newsletter reports on a comparative evaluation of STOP program delivery in Addiction Agencies, Community Health Centres and Family Health Teams. The evaluation provides knowledge on the overall successes and challenges in the provision of cessat

Abstract: In the present study, we examined the association between duration of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) use and smoking cessation using data from the Ontario Tobacco Survey longitudinal study (3 waves of data collected between July 2005 an

Research shows that smokers who use quit aids such as pharmacotherapies and behavioral support are more likely to be successful in smoking cessation than smokers who do not use quit aids. This update explores factors related to use and trends in the

The Smoking Cessation Interventions for Youth report explores the current state of knowledge about effective and promising interventions and practices in addressing smoking cessation among youth. The authors review the academic and grey literature to

The Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Monitoring Report finds tobacco use among grade 12 youth remains steady at 6%, but smoking use among young adults remains high. These are some of the findings highlighted in this year’s Strategy Monitoring Report. This

OTRU’s Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Monitoring Report Executive Summary provides a synopsis of the report’s comprehensive review of the progress of the province’s tobacco control initiatives. Related publication: 2014 Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Monit

OTRU, together with the Well Living House at the Centre for Research on Inner City Health (CRICH), is studying how non-traditional tobacco use in Ontario’s Aboriginal communities can best be addressed through interventions. This update describes stud

Abstract Objective To examine the effect of varying levels of comprehensive tobacco control on smoking in a global context. Methods Using data from WHO’s Reports on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, scatter plots were produced to visualise the relat

There is strong evidence from randomized control trials that cessation medication can help people quit smoking; however, real world studies of smoking cessation aid effectiveness have shown mixed results. Using data from the Ontario Tobacco Survey, t

Abstract Objectives: Smoke-free policies not only reduce harm to non-smokers, they may also reduce harm to smokers by decreasing the number of cigarettes smoked and increasing the likelihood of a successful quit attempt. However, little is known abou

Abstract Introduction: There are limited data on the use of electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) among youth, particularly with regard to the use of nicotine versus nonnicotine products. This study investigates ever use of nicotine and nonnicotine e-

Public debate abounds about e-cigarettes, their promotion, sale and use; concerns over youth uptake; the potential for renormalization of smoking; their effectiveness as a cessation aid; and their health impacts. OTRU, in partnership with the Centre

Abstract Despite extensive research on social norms, the sources of norm formation are not well understood. Social exposure to a behavior (defined as the composite of ways through which people see that behavior in their social, physical, and symbolic

OTRU is working with participating public health units, workplace leaders and other key partners to evaluate workplace-based tobacco use cessation demonstration projects in the construction, mining, manufacturing, hospitality and service sectors. Thi

Varenicline is currently funded as a Limited Use Benefit on the Ontario Drug Benefit Formulary. However, little is known about who uses varenicline and how use has changed over time in Ontario. This update explores use of varenicline in Ontario using

This newsletter provides an overview of this Ontario-based smoking cessation project, outlines evaluation methods, highlights key findings and discusses successes and challenges. Related Publications: STOP Program Implementation in Three Health Care

The Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy is a comprehensive tobacco control program involving a broad coalition of partners including provincial and local governments, boards of health, voluntary health organizations, hospitals, and universities. This report

OTRU’s Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Monitoring Report Executive Summary provides a synopsis of the report’s comprehensive review of the progress of the province’s tobacco control initiatives. Related publications: 2013 Smoke-Free Ontario Strategy Moni