Our findings set an agenda for targeting research, improving practice, and informing policy for smoking cessation among young adults. We also demonstrate the value of using 3 complementary approaches: literature review, expert opinion, and target population perspectives.

Making tailored, self-help programs widely available on campus may be an effective way to provide smoking-cessation support to a large segment of the young adult population.

Compliance with the ban was high, and the ban led to a substantial reduction in SHS exposure.

Introduction Research shows the mass distribution of free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is a high-impact, population-level strategy for smoking cessation; but underrepresentation of younger, and/or lighter, smokers challenges generalisability of findings to young adult smokers. Aims This naturalistic study examined how and with what effect young adult smokers used free nicotine patches provided through a mass mailout programme. Methods In total, 5,025 eligible 18–29 year-old smokers who accessed an online ordering platform received self-help materials and an 8-week course of patches matched to their consumption level (<10 cigarettes per day (cpd); ≥10 cpd). No other behavioural support occurred. Whether participants used patches correctly and achieved 30-day continuous abstinence at 6-month follow-up were assessed. Results Among 694 participants with complete data: 89% used some patches; 8% used the patches correctly for 8 weeks; 31.0% (95% confidence interval (CI) = 27.6, 34.7) achieved abstinence. Adjusted logistic regression analysis showed the highest odds of abstinence was associated with the correct use of patches (odds ratio = 2.8, 95% CI = 1.5, 5.1). Conclusions Mass distribution of free patches may be an effective public health measure for supporting younger, lighter smokers to attempt cessation, reduce consumption, or achieve abstinence. Emphasising why and how to use NRT for the entire treatment course may enhance outcomes.

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