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Financial incentives proven to aid smoking cessation, study reveals
A study led by the University of East Anglia (UEA) has shown that financial incentives, such as cash rewards or vouchers, significantly boost smoking cessation rates. This effect persists even after the rewards have ended. The research, published in the Cochrane Review and involving over 21,900 participants across 48 studies, highlights the intervention’s effectiveness for the general population and pregnant people, a group particularly at risk due to the harmful effects of smoking on pregnancy outcomes.
Professor Linda Bauld, a co-author of the study, emphasised that the findings support continued funding for existing incentive programmes in England, particularly for pregnant people, to reduce smoking prevalence. The study also revealed that financial rewards positively influence psychological reward systems, which play a critical role in nicotine addiction. Caitlin Notley, a professor of addiction sciences at Norwich Medical School, concluded that incentives help smokers quit.
Source: BBC News, 13 January 2025
See also: Cochrane Review – Can rewards help people quit smoking, and do they work in the long term?
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Smartwatch app aims to aid smokers in quitting through targeted interventions
Researchers at the University of Bristol have developed a smartwatch app that uses motion sensors to detect smoking habits and provides real-time support. When typical smoking gestures are identified, the device vibrates and sends motivational messages or information about quitting resources, including NHS support pages. The app, tested on 18 smokers over two weeks, tracks metrics like cigarette consumption and provides feedback. While some users found the app helpful, others noted its messages were overly general. Alizee Froguel, prevention policy manager at Cancer Research UK, who funded the study, highlighted the app's potential but stressed the need for further research to determine its overall effectiveness.
Source: BBC News, 11 January 2025
See also: JMIR Publications - Presenting and Evaluating a Smartwatch-Based Intervention for Smoking Relapse (StopWatch): Feasibility and Acceptability Study
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Cambridgeshire charity supports vulnerable groups to quit smoking
The Ferry Project in Wisbech has launched a programme aimed at helping homeless individuals and migrant workers quit smoking, in partnership with the local Smoking Cessation Partnership and funded by Public Health Cambridgeshire. The initiative provides a personalised 12-week plan with regular appointments and nicotine replacement therapies. Early results indicate significant success, with 80% of participants remaining smoke-free after four weeks. Initially a one-year pilot, the programme has secured funding through March 2026.
Source: BBC News, 13 January 2025
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Watchdog bans advert for glamorising smoking
An advert featuring a wedding celebration and shared on social media by a reality TV star has been banned for glamorising smoking. The video, which depicted the groom and groomsmen smoking cigars in a luxurious setting, was ruled by the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) to irresponsibly promote smoking as part of an aspirational lifestyle. The ASA stated the ad gave the impression that smoking was an enjoyable and sophisticated activity, breaching social responsibility standards.
Source: The Guardian, 11 January 2025
See also: BMJ - Smoking’s pop culture revival is an unwelcome throwback for public health
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ASH Daily News is a digest of published news on smoking-related topics. ASH is not responsible for the content of external websites. ASH does not necessarily endorse the material contained in this bulletin.
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