Impact of Continuing Education on Clinicians' Self- Reported Knowledge of Tobacco Dependence and Tobacco Control Interventions

Purpose: To assess a tobacco cessation continuing education (CE) program for Indiana dental and medical providers. Methods: A 26-item immediate post-CE survey and a 19-item 3-month follow-up survey assessed changes in participants’ self-reported knowledge of tobacco dependence and tobacco control interventions. De-identified data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation coefficients, and Mantel- Haenszel chi-square tests. Results: Participants totaled 252 across 6 programs statewide. Immediate post-CE course survey response was 98.4% (N=248): dental assistants (2%), dental hygienists (83%), dentists (8.5%), and other healthcare professionals (6.45%). Participants reported less knowledge before than immediately after CE (p< .0001) and 3 months after (p<.0001). Reported knowledge at 3 months was less than after CE (p< .002). Participants reported on their intention to apply program communication strategies (99%), implement brief tobacco interventions (85%), and refer patients to local cessation resources (95%), Indiana Quitline (96%). Follow-up survey response rate was 54% (N=136). Participants reported active engagement in tobacco interventions (48%, 78), applying CE communication strategies (85%, 109), and implementing brief interventions (71%, 90). Participants reported referring few patients to local or state quitline counselors. Conclusion:Tobacco dependence CE may enhance health care practitioners’ knowledge and willingness to integrate tobacco interventions in their healthcare settings but it does not ensure a change in clinical tobacco control intervention

Retail promotions and perceptions of R.J. Reynolds' novel dissolvable tobacco in a US test market

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>With declining cigarette sales, tobacco manufacturers have been developing and marketing new smokeless products, such as R. J. Reynolds' dissolvable tobacco, Camel Sticks, Strips and Orbs. This study assessed the availability, price and point-of-purchase promotional strategies for Camel Dissolvables, and investigated consumer awareness, interest and perception of these products in the Indiana test market.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>An exploratory retail audit of point-of-purchase promotions was conducted in a random sample of retailers from 6 store categories (n = 81) in the test market area. Data included: store type, location, product placement, forms/flavors carried, price, types and locations of advertisements and promotions, and ad messages. An Awareness-Attitude-Usage (AAU) survey was used to gauge consumer awareness and knowledge of tobacco products including Camel Dissolvables. Respondents were shown promotional materials from a package onsert and perceptions and interest in the Camel Dissolvables were assessed. An Intended Target Survey (ITS) compared subjects' perceptions of ad targets for several non-tobacco products, as well as Camel Snus, Camel No. 9 and Camel Dissolvables. Respondents were asked to identify each ad's intended target category, perceived targetedness, and purchase intent.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>The products were carried by 46% of stores, most frequently gas stations (100%) and convenience stores (75%). They were shelved near smokeless tobacco (70%), cigarettes (25%) or candy (5%). Prices ranged from $3.59 -$4.19 per package; most stores carried at least 1 promotional item. Ad messages included: "Dissolvable Tobacco" (60%). "Free Trial" (24%), "Special Price" (24%), "What's Your Style?" (22%). At 14% of stores, free trial packs of Camel Dissolvables were offered with another Camel purchase. Awareness was reported by 42% of respondents (n = 243), and trial by 3%. Consumer interest was very low, but younger respondents (< 40 years) were more familiar with Camel Dissolvables (60% vs. 45% for those > 40 years, p < .01). Males, as well as current and former smokers had higher rates of interest and trial; only 1% of never smokers reported trial. In the ITS, only for the 3 tobacco product ads, was perceived targetedness for smokers significantly higher than for non-smokers. Smokers and nonsmokers perceived that the ads targeted smokers.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>Current retail promotional strategies for Camel Sticks, Strips & Orbs appear to be targeting a select audience, primarily current smokers. Overall, consumer awareness, interest and trial were low.</p