Heated tobacco products and a telemedicine smoking cessation programme: A retrospective study

Abstract

Objectives: Japan is one of the largest markets for heated tobacco products (HTP), and the number of HTP users, including dual users, is burgeoning. However, it is not yet clear whether a telemedicine smoking cessation programme is helpful for nicotine-dependent people who use HTPs. Methods: We retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of a telemedicine smoking cessation programme for nicotine-dependent tobacco product users, comparing short- and long-term continuous abstinence rates (CAR) from 9 to 24 weeks (CAR9-24) and 9 to 52 weeks (CAR9-52). We divided programme participants into 1) exclusively cigarette users, 2) exclusively HTP users, and 3) dual users. Using logistic regression with inverse probability weighting, an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for CAR was calculated to compare the differences among the three groups. Results: We analysed 733 telemedicine smoking cessation programme participants (exclusively cigarette users, 52%; exclusively HTP users, 31%; and dual-users, 16%) dating August 2018 to October 2020. HTP users had higher CARs than the exclusively cigarettes group in CAR9-24 (aOR, 1.12; CI, 1.02-1.23; p=0.02) and CAR9-52 (aOR 1.09; CI, 0.99-1.19; p=0.08). Conversely, dual users had lower CARs than the exclusively cigarettes group in the CAR9-24 (aOR, 0.85; CI, 0.76-0.95; p=0.004) and CAR9-52 (aOR, 0.88; CI, 0.79-0.97; p=0.01). Conclusions: Exclusively HTP users achieved higher CARs, whereas dual users had lower CARs than exclusively cigarette users over short- and long-term periods. A telemedicine smoking cessation programme may be a reasonable option for exclusively HTP users.

Usefulness of the smartphone app-based smoking cessation program for conventional cigarettes, heated tobacco products, and dual use: A retrospective study

“…Nomura et al previously reported the efficacy of a telemedicine smoking cessation program for nicotine-dependent people who used HTPs over an 8-week telemedicine program provided by primary physicians and a 10-month follow-up period (sending surveys and smoking cessation advice via the app). 22 They found that exclusive HTP users had significantly higher CAR 9–24 than the exclusive cigarettes group (53·8% for cigarettes vs. 67·0% for HTP). These reports are consistent with the present results, and they suggest the efficacy of the online smoking cessation treatment for exclusive HTP users.…”

“…Prior studies have reported lower smoking cessation rates for dual users as compared to their counerparts. 22 Another report showed no difference in smoking cessation behavior between dual users and cigarette users. 24 Thus, the present results might be the consequence of the offsetting advantages and disadvantages among dual users.…”