A randomized controlled trial of a smoking cessation intervention conducted among prisoners. (11th March 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Richmond, Robyn; Indig, Devon; Butler, Tony; Wilhelm, Kay; Archer, Vicki; Wodak, Alex
• Is Part Of: Addiction. Volume 108:Number 5(2013:May)
• Page Start: 966
• Page End: 974
• Publication Date: 2013-03-11
• Subjects: Alcoholism -- Periodicals; Drug addiction -- Periodicals; 616.86
• DOI: 10.1111/add.12084
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0965-2140

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main"> <title>Abstract</title> <sec id="add12084-sec-0001" sec-type="section"> <title>Aim</title> <p>To evaluate the efficacy of nortriptyline (NOR) added to a multi‐component smoking cessation intervention, which included cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) and provision of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0002" sec-type="section"> <title>Design</title> <p>Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two study groups with blinded follow‐up at 3, 6 and 12 months. Both groups received a multi‐component smoking cessation intervention comprising two half‐hour individual sessions of CBT and NRT with either active NOR or placebo.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0003" sec-type="section"> <title>Setting</title> <p>Prisons in New South Wales (17) and Queensland (one), Australia.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0004" sec-type="section"> <title>Participants</title> <p>A total of 425 male prisoners met inclusion criteria and were allocated to either treatment (<italic>n</italic> = 206) or control group (<italic>n</italic> = 219).</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0005" sec-type="section"> <title>Measurements</title> <p>Primary end‐points at 3, 6 and 12 months were continuous abstinence, point prevalence abstinence and reporting a 50% reduction in smoking. Smoking status was confirmed by expired carbon monoxide, using a cut‐point of ≤10 parts per million.</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0006" sec-type="section"> <title>Findings</title> <p>Participants' demographics and baseline tobacco use were similar in treatment and control groups. Based on an intention‐to‐treat analysis, continuous abstinence between the treatment and control groups was not significantly different at 3 months (23.8 versus 16.4%), 6 months (17.5 versus 12.3%) and 12 months (11.7 versus 11.9%).</p> </sec> <sec id="add12084-sec-0007" sec-type="section"> <title>Conclusion</title> <p>Adding nortriptyline to a smoking cessation treatment package consisting of behavioural support and nicotine replacement therapy does not appear to improve long‐term abstinence rates in male prisoners.</p> </sec> </abstract>