Patterns of tobacco smoking among illicit drug users in Australia 2001-2010

Introduction and AimsThis study aimed to investigate whether there were changes from 2001 to 2010 in the characteristics of young adults who used party drugs or other illicit drugs and to determine if the prevalence of tobacco smoking differed depending on the type of drugs used

Whither tobacco product regulation?

Despite decades of industry innovation and regulatory efforts, the harmfulness of conventional cigarettes has not changed. There are several pitfalls in this area, including the long time lag before health impacts of product regulatory changes become apparent, the danger of consumers deriving false reassurance of lesser harm in the interim period, the lack of relevant expertise and the lack of an internationally agreed and evidencebased strategic approach. Articles 9 and 10 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control provide the potential for such a global strategy, and knowledge and research has increased significantly over recent years. However, there are huge opportunity costs in implementing product disclosure and regulatory strategies: most national regulators have very limited human and financial resources, which should be focused on other evidence-based tobacco control interventions. We believe therefore that it is now time to abandon the notion of safe or safer cigarettes while moving consumers towards cleaner nicotine products as soon as possible. In parallel to this, we recommend a number of other strategies be implemented including: reducing the appeal of all tobacco products, forbidding new tobacco products or brand variants being marketed without evidence of reduced harm, appeal or addictiveness, and developing a tobacco industry resourced, but industry independent, Framework Convention on Tobacco Control global repository to assist national regulators in understanding and regulating the products on their markets

RE: Does Snus use have a harm reduction effect in Sweden?

Eletter to Tobacco Control in response to an eletter published in the same journal about whether snus (Swedish moist oral snuff) was responsible for a decline in smoking prevalence among men in Sweden

University smoke-free policies in Australia: lessons for Indonesia

Background: Eliminating exposure to second-hand smoke is one of the best practices to control noncommunicable diseases. Indonesia has been dealing with growing burdens of noncommunicable disease due to the high and persistent prevalence of tobacco smoking in the country. On the other hand, Australia, a neighbouring country of Indonesia, shows an impressive progress in altering its national tobacco epidemic through the establishment of smoke-free policies. In recent years, Australia has extended its smoke-free policies to higher education institutions. Meanwhile, it is assumed that the scope and implementation of university smoke-free policies in Indonesia are still limited. Objectives: This paper aims to present evidence of Australian university smoke-free policies and to find gaps in the implementation of university smoke-free policies in Indonesia. Findings from an unpublished preliminary cross-sectional study on 100% smoke-free policies at The University of Queensland, Australia were synthesised with published literature on smoke-free policies at other Australian universities and higher education institutions. An online search was also conducted on Google Scholar and PubMed to find evidence of university smoke-free policies in Indonesia. Lessons Learnt: One study indicates that all universities in Australia have implemented smoke-free policies to various degrees. The aim of such policies is to promote wellness rather than to restrict smokers. Research is integral to the development and implementation of university smoke-free policies in Australia. Support from university staff and students, policy enforcement, provision of quit service on campus, awareness-raising, and avoiding stigmatisation of smokers are some important considerations in policy development and implementation. Meanwhile, the implementation of campus smoke-free policies in Indonesian universities is inadequate. The existing evidence is also lacking in quantity and quality. Collaborative efforts involving university stakeholders, researchers, staff, and students are prerequisite to successfully adopt smoke-free policies on university campuses in Indonesia

Is it safe to vape? Analyzing online forums discussing e-cigarette use during pregnancy

Introduction Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use, or vaping, is increasing against a backdrop of declining smoking rates. E-cigarettes contain fewer toxicants than cigarettes, but their appearance and mode of use has the potential to satisfy the habitual aspects of smoking. To date, we know little about lay perceptions of the safety of using e-cigarettes in pregnancy. Methods We conducted a thematic discourse analysis of 13 online discussion forum threads that discussed e-cigarette use during pregnancy. We focused on the major discursive strategies that forum posters used to debate the safety of e-cigarette use during pregnancy. Results We identified three distinct ways in which forum posters debated the safety of using e-cigarettes during pregnancy: 1) quitting (nicotine) cold turkey is unsafe, 2) vaping is the lesser of two evils, and 3) vaping is not worth the risk. Conclusions Discussions about the safety of e-cigarettes drew on the premise that 1) immediate cessation of nicotine was potentially harmful and unsafe, 2) e-cigarettes were a harm reduction tool, or 3) vaping could be dangerous and should be avoided. Although these arguments are not necessarily specific to pregnancy (beside mentions of fetal-specific risks), this analysis points to the need to educate and support women about harm reduction options. Implications Health professionals should be aware that some women may be currently using or considering using e-cigarettes in an effort to quit or reduce smoking. It is important that health professionals are equipped to educate women with accurate, up-to-date, and balanced information about the risks and benefits of e-cigarette use during pregnancy