This newsletter is the third of a series of four from OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team for 2014-2015. It outlines OTRU’s knowledge and evaluation support services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other

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

Exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS) is a long standing public health issue. The Smoke-Free Ontario Act protects many Ontarians from exposure to SHS in enclosed public places and workplaces including restaurants and bars, casinos, in vehicles, and in 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 Tobacco use causes a tremendous amount of morbidity and mortality globally, with a staggering level of financial costs. In many countries, public health interventions have been able to reduce the prevalence of smoking and the associated burd

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

This newsletter is the second of a series of four from OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team for 2014-2015. It outlines OTRU’s knowledge and evaluation support services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and othe

Abstract: Context: Selection of priority groups is important for health interventions. However, no quantitative method has been developed. Objectives: To develop a quantitative method to support the process of selecting priority groups for public hea

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

This update provides a brief overview of smoking prevalence and exposure to secondhand smoke in Ontario based on the findings of the recently released 2013 Canadian Community Health Survey. The last significant change in smoking prevalence was betwee

This newsletter is the first of a series of four from OTRU’s Knowledge and Evaluation Support Team for 2014-2015. It outlines OTRU’s knowledge and evaluation support services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other

Smoking in movies is a cause for smoking initiation and progression to regular smoking among youth. Higher exposure to onscreen tobacco increases the uptake of smoking among youth and undermines tobacco prevention efforts. This report examines the ex

As waterpipe use has increased around the world, it has become a growing public health concern. This update examines the latest population survey data about the prevalence of waterpipe use in Ontario, patterns of use, beliefs and attitudes about use

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 is the fourth of a series from OTRU’s Evaluation Support Team outlining OTRU’s evaluation and research services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other tobacco Transfer Payment Agencies. The newslet

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

This newsletter is the third of a series from OTRU’s Evaluation Support Team outlining OTRU’s evaluation and research services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other tobacco Transfer Payment Agencies. The newslett

A risk categorization model for youth access enforcement was piloted in three public health units over a 12-month period in 2011-2012. Pilot findings suggest that 1) increasing the number of visits to moderate- and high-risk vendors can increase comp

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

This newsletter is the second of a series from OTRU’s Evaluation Support Team outlining OTRU’s evaluation and research services for Ontario’s Public Health Units, Tobacco Control Area Networks, and other tobacco Transfer Payment Agencies. The newslet

Abstract Objectives: Current estimates indicate that cigarillo use has become commonplace among young adults in Canada despite the established risks to health. However, little else is known about patterns of cigarillo use in this subpopulation. The i