ORCID Profile
0000-0002-5850-5349
Current Organisation
The University of Hong Kong
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Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 08-2019
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 17-10-2021
Abstract: A growing body of evidence shows smoking is a risk factor for coronavirus disease (COVID-19). We examined the associations of quitting-related behaviors with perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 in smokers. We conducted a telephone survey of 659 community-based adult smokers (81.7% male) in Hong Kong, where there was no lockdown. Exposure variables were perceptions that smoking can increase the risk of contracting COVID-19 (perceived susceptibility) and its severity if infected (perceived severity). Outcome variables were quit attempts, smoking reduction since the outbreak of the pandemic, and intention to quit within 30 days. Covariates included sex, age, education, heaviness of smoking, psychological distress, and perceived danger of COVID-19. High perceived susceptibility and severity were reported by 23.9% and 41.7% of participants, respectively. High perceived susceptibility was associated with quit attempts (prevalence ratio (PR) 2.22, 95% CI 1.41–3.49), smoking reduction (PR 1.75, 95% CI 1.21–2.51), and intention to quit (PR 2.31, 95% CI 1.40–3.84). Perceived severity of COVID-19 was associated with quit attempts (PR 1.64, 95% CI 1.01–2.67) but not with smoking reduction or intention to quit. To conclude, the perceived susceptibility to and severity of COVID-19 in smokers were associated with quitting-related behaviors in current smokers, which may have important implications for smoking cessation amid the pandemic.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-08-2019
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 15-03-2013
DOI: 10.1093/IJE/DYT021
Abstract: Certain sites have gained notoriety as 'hotspots' for suicide by jumping. Structural interventions (e.g. barriers and safety nets) have been installed at some of these sites. In idual studies examining the effectiveness of these interventions have been underpowered. We conducted a meta-analysis, pooling data from nine studies. Following the interventions, there was an 86% reduction in jumping suicides per year at the sites in question (95% CI 79% to 91%). There was a 44% increase in jumping suicides per year at nearby sites (95% CI 15% to 81%), but the net gain was a 28% reduction in all jumping suicides per year in the study cities (95% CI 13% to 40%). Structural interventions at 'hotspots' avert suicide at these sites. Some increases in suicide are evident at neighbouring sites, but there is an overall gain in terms of a reduction in all suicides by jumping.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-09-2019
Abstract: easonal influenza vaccination (SIV) coverage among young children remains low worldwide. Mobile social-networking applications such as WhatsApp Messenger are promising tools for health interventions. his was a preliminary study to test the effectiveness and parental acceptability of social-networking intervention that sends weekly vaccination reminders and encourages exchange of SIV-related views and experience among mothers via WhatsApp discussion groups for promoting childhood SIV. The second objective was to examine the effect on mothers’ decision-making for childhood SIV of additionally introducing time pressure for vaccination decision-making using countdowns of the recommended vaccination timing. others of child(ren) aged 6-72 months were randomly allocated to Control, or one of two social-networking Intervention groups receiving vaccination reminders with (SNI/+TP) or without (SNI/-TP) a time pressure component via WhatsApp discussion groups at a ratio of 5:2:2. All participants first completed a baseline assessment. Both the SNI/-TP and SNI+TP groups subsequently received respective weekly vaccination reminders in Oct-Dec 2017, and participated in WhatsApp discussions about SIV moderated by a health professional. All participants completed a follow-up assessment in April-May 2018. total of 174 (84.9%, 174/205), 57 (71.3%, 57/80) and 60 (75.0%, 60/80) who were allocated into the Control, SNI/-TP and SNI/+TP, respectively, completed the outcome assessment. The social-networking intervention significantly promoted mothers’ self-efficacy for taking children for SIV (SNI/-TP: OR=2.69 (1.07-6.79) SNI/+TP: OR=2.50 (1.13-5.55)), but did not result in significantly improved children’s SIV uptake. Moreover, after adjusting for mothers’ working status, introducing additional time pressure reduced the overall SIV uptake in children of working mothers (OR=0.27 (0.10-0.77)) but significantly increased the SIV uptake among children of mothers without a full-time job (OR=6.53 (1.87-22.82)). Most participants’ WhatsApp posts were about sharing experience/views (52.1%, 226/434) of which 44.7% (101/226) were categorized as negative such as their concerns over vaccine safety/side effects and effectiveness. Though participants shared predominantly negative experience/views about SIV at the beginning of the discussion, the moderator was able to encourage the discussion of more positive experience/views and more knowledge/information. Most Intervention group participants indicated willingness to receive the same interventions (94.0%, 110/117) and recommend the interventions to other mothers (87.2%, 102/117) in future. nline information support can effectively promote mothers’ self-efficacy for taking children for SIV but may not alone be sufficient to address maternal concerns over SIV to achieve a positive vaccination decision. However, the active involvement of health professionals in online discussions can shape positive discussions about vaccination. Time pressure on decision-making interacts with maternal work status, facilitating vaccination uptake among mothers who may have more free time job but having the opposite effect among busier working mothers. KUCTR-2250, www.HKUCTR.com
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2020
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2019.106119
Abstract: Isometric exercises reduce craving, negative affect, and withdrawal symptoms during smoking cessation. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) was the first to test if a brief intervention using a handgrip and isometric exercises including hand pushing ulling was feasible and efficacious to increase tobacco abstinence at 6-month. This was a single-blinded, 2-arm pilot RCT in 6 community-based smoking cessation clinics in Hong Kong. Smokers who consumed 10 or more cigarettes a day and were receiving cessation services were randomized to the exercise group (n = 108) who received a free handgrip and a leaflet about handgrip exercise, and watched a 5-minute video, or to the healthy-diet group (n = 100) who receive a similar dosage of intervention on healthy diet. The primary outcome was self-reported abstinence in the previous 4 weeks at 6-month follow-up. In the exercise group, about 36% reported doing the exercises when craving at 2-month follow-up. No significant difference in quit rate was found between groups (34% vs. 39%, OR = 0.80, P = .40). A posteriori analysis on the exercise group showed that self-reported exercises when craving (49% vs. 26%, OR = 2.69, 1.18-6.15, P = .02) and total adherence (including doing the exercises when craving, once a day, and/or for 2 weeks) (53% vs. 23%, OR = 3.70, 1.15-11.92, P = .03) were significantly associated with self-reported abstinence. The brief handgrip/isometric exercise intervention was feasible and achieved modest adherence without offering incentives or mandatory reminders. Preliminary evidence of benefits was observed in the intervention group if the exercises were done when craving. Our study indicates that a brief exercise intervention, including a free handgrip and educational video, was feasible for smokers receiving smoking cessation treatment. It was particularly efficacious in increasing tobacco abstinence when exercise adherence was high. ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02844296).
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 16-06-2023
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 14-01-2013
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/84072
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 05-10-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15262
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 13-11-2020
Abstract: Tobacco use is a possible risk factor for contracting and spreading COVID-19. We aimed to describe the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Youth Quitline service and quitting behaviors of its users in Hong Kong. We conducted a telephone survey involving 201 participants of the Youth Quitline service, and retrospectively analyzed the operation and use of Quitline since the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong. The number of incoming calls to the Youth Quitline and the participants′ quit rate has increased since the COVID-19 outbreak in Hong Kong. Many participants (68%) did not realize that tobacco use potentially increased their risk for developing and spreading COVID-19 however, 43% agreed that the pandemic motivated their intention to quit, and 83% changed their smoking habits during the pandemic. These changes were mainly due to wearing masks (30%), closure of bars ubs (25%), suspension of classes (14%), and being unable to socialize with friends (24%). Overall, 58% reduced their tobacco use of these participants, 66% reported a ≥50% reduction in daily cigarette consumption. The participants reduced their smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic despite lacking knowledge about the potentially increased risk for contracting COVID-19 from continued smoking. The pandemic could create new opportunities to motivate young smokers to quit smoking, especially those seeking support for smoking cessation, and may further contribute to reducing the risks posed by COVID-19.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 22-12-2012
DOI: 10.1007/S00127-012-0640-4
Abstract: Despite increasing concern over the prevalence of non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) among adolescents, there is debate about its classification as a stand-alone psychiatric diagnosis. This study investigated the patterns, co-occurrence, and correlates of NSSI and other suicidal behaviors among a representative community s le of in-school adolescents. A cross-sectional survey of 2,317 adolescents was conducted. Participants were asked to self-report NSSI, suicidal ideation, suicide attempt, and psychosocial conditions over the past 12 months. Logistic regression and cumulative logit modeling analyses were conducted to investigate the different and similar correlates among these self-harm behaviors. The age-standardized prevalence rates of NSSI among male and female adolescents were estimated to be 13.4 and 19.7 %, respectively, compared with 11.1 and 10.1 % for male and female suicide attempt. Only a small proportion engaged in NSSI exclusively in the past year. NSSI by burning or reckless and risky behaviors, frequent drinking, and sexual experience were associated with increasing severity level of suicidal behaviors among in iduals with NSSI. NSSI is prevalent among in-school adolescents in Hong Kong. However, it co-occurs with suicidal ideation and suicide attempt. High lethality of NSSI, frequent drinking habit, and lifetime sexual experience are suggested to be indicators for screening potential suicide attempters among those having NSSI.
Publisher: SAGE Publications
Date: 30-08-2017
Abstract: The Chinese government’s implementation of the MPOWER policies and compliance with the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control requirements has been slow. We used the ‘foot-in-the-door’ approach to promote tobacco control advocacy through capacity building of healthcare leaders, and establishment of smoking cessation clinics in Guangzhou and Beijing (two of the largest cities in China). This collaborative pilot project involved the University of Hong Kong and three major hospitals in Guangzhou and Beijing. A steering committee conducted the smoking cessation training workshops starting from April 2006, and set up three smoking cessation model clinics during August 2006 to October 2008. We followed up the trained health care professionals (HCPs) in 2014 and 2015 to assess their impacts on tobacco control beyond smoking cessation. We emphasized the importance of the general tobacco control atmosphere during smoking cessation training of 139 HCPs to motivate them to engage in tobacco control advocacy. In addition to enhancing their knowledge and skills in cessation, the HCPs were then involved in the establishment of three in-hospital smoking cessation clinics and served as smoking cessation counselors since June 2008. Moreover, they ventured outside the clinics and the community to publicize smoking cessation. Their effort has contributed to smoke-free legislation, better surveillance on smoking and media advocacy on tobacco control in China. The training and establishment of smoking cessation clinics could serve as a means to motivate and empower HCPs who could contribute to broaden tobacco control policy in China.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 20-04-2019
DOI: 10.1136/TOBACCOCONTROL-2018-054719
Abstract: We investigated heated tobacco products (HTPs) use and associated factors in Chinese adults in Hong Kong where HTPs are not formally marketed yet, and cigarette smoking prevalence was the lowest in the developed world. A population-based landline telephone survey in 2017 interviewed 5131 (45.2% male 26.7% aged ≥60) adults to collect information on awareness, intention to use, ever use of HTPs, cigarette smoking status and sociodemographic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were weighted by the age, sex and smoking status of the Hong Kong adult population. Sociodemographics were mutually adjusted in logistic regression to yield adjusted ORs (AORs) for awareness of HTPs, controlling for smoking status. Overall, 11.3% (95% CI 10.0% to 12.7%) were aware of HTPs and 1.0 % (0.8%–1.2%) had ever used it. Awareness was associated with aged 40–49 years (AOR 1.37, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.87) or 30–39 years (2.03, 1.41–2.91) (vs ≥60 years), born in Hong Kong (1.37, 1.11–1.68) and higher monthly household income (p for trend 0.001). Ever HTP users had higher educational attainment and monthly household income, and more were aged 30–39 and economically active (all p .003). In never HTP users, intention to use HTPs (7.3%, 4.9%–10.8%) were more prevalent in respondents with similar characteristics (all p .008). More current (vs never) smokers were aware of HTPs, intent to use HTPs and had ever used HTPs (all p .001). Higher socioeconomic status was associated with HTP use and intention to use. Public health education on HTPs is needed especially for this high-risk group.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2016
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 11-2015
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 12-08-2019
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTZ138
Abstract: Outdoor smoking hotspots are convenient venues for promoting smoking cessation. This randomized controlled trial aimed to obtain proof-of-concept evidence of the feasibility and preliminary effectiveness on quit attempts of delivering a 1-week free nicotine replacement therapy s le (NRTS) to smokers. This pilot parallel, single-blinded, two-group (1:1) randomized controlled trial proactively recruited adult smokers in outdoor smoking hotspots in Hong Kong. Smokers consuming at least 10 cigarettes per day and fit for NRT use were in idually randomized to receive either a 1-week NRT gum atch and brief advice lasting 10 minutes (NRTS, n = 50), or receive only brief advice (control, n = 50). The primary outcomes were any self-reported quit attempts (stop smoking for at least 24 hours) at 1- and 3-month telephone follow-up. Risk ratios from log-binomial regression models were used to assess the associations. The NRTS increased quit attempts at 1-month (14% vs. 10% adjusted risk ratio = 1.25, 95% CI = 0.43 to 3.61) and 3-month follow-up (26% vs. 12% adjusted risk ratio = 2.17, 95% CI = 0.89 to 5.27), but the differences were not significant. Trial participation rate was about 81.3%. Around 54% of the intervention group participants used the NRT s le by the first month. The NRT users reported generally positive feedback about the usefulness of NRT s le for smoking cessation. Major factors of not using NRT included bad gum taste and their perception that NRT was not useful. Delivering NRTS to smokers in outdoor smoking hotspots was feasible and efficacious in increasing NRT use. Additional post-recruitment support to sustain the use of NRT and cessation services is needed. Our study supported that smokers at outdoor smoking hotspots can be approached for a brief smoking cessation intervention including an onsite delivery of NRTS. Delivering NRTS and a brief advice on using NRT to these smokers was feasible and efficacious to increase NRT use. A larger trial on the benefits on quit attempts and long-term abstinence is warranted.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 25-04-2015
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Date: 2016
DOI: 10.1891/0886-6708.VV-D-13-00181
Abstract: This study aimed to estimate the self-reported prevalence of violence perpetration and victimization among Hong Kong youths and the associated health risk behaviors using a representative s le of 1,126 young adults aged 18–27 years. Perpetrating physical and emotional violence was common in Hong Kong, with prevalences ranging from 20.8% to 38.3% in males and from 6.4% to 21.3% in females. Victimization of physical and emotional violence was also common for both sexes, with prevalences ranging from 16.4% to 36.3% in males and from 6.6% to 19.2% in females. Perpetration of sexual harassment and sexual violence was less prevalent, whereas victimization of sexual harassment and sexual violence ranged from 0.6% to 3.6% in males and from 2.3% to 13.2% in females. Both violence perpetration and victimization among youths were significantly associated with substance use, risky sexual behaviors, and pregnancy. The implications of this study for violence prevention programs are discussed.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 26-07-2016
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 11-12-2022
Abstract: ext-messaging is effective for smoking cessation (SC). e assess if more interactive and adaptive instant messaging (IM) apps on a smartphone that allows personalization and chatting with SC advisors could further increase SC. 00 adult Chinese daily cigarette users were proactively recruited in communities in Hong Kong from December 2018 to November 2019 and 1:1 randomized. All participants received face-to-face brief advice on SC, active referral (AR) to SC services at baseline. Intervention group received personalized regular messages and chatting through IM apps for 3 months, meanwhile control group received text messages on general health. The primary outcomes were smoking abstinence validated by carbon monoxide parts per million at 6 and 12 months after intervention initiation. Trial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800719. 2.1% were male, 69.4% were aged 40 or above. At 6- and 12-month follow-up (retention rate: 65.1% and 63.7%), by intention to treat, validated quit rates were similar between the intervention (4.0% and 5.4%) and control (3.1% and 6.0%) groups. Self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence (9.1% vs 8.3%, 13.1% vs 14.3%) at both follow-ups were similar. Intervention group reported more SC service use at 12-month (35.1%) than control group (28.0%): adjusted risk ratio=1.26 (95% confidence interval 1.01-1.57). n IM-based intervention providing support and assistance on top of brief SC advice and AR did not further increase quitting but promoted SC service use. Further studies can examine if increased SC service use result in better SC in a longer term. rial Registry: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03800719. ULR:tudy/NCT03800719
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 12-2008
DOI: 10.1002/GPS.2056
Abstract: The Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) outbreak in 2003 had an enormous impact on Hong Kong society and the suicide rate was also at its historical high, 18.6 per 100,000. The most significant increase was found among the older adults aged 65 or above. Poisson Regression Models were used to examine impact of the SARS epidemic on older adults suicides in Hong Kong. A complete set of the suicide statistics for the period 1993-2004 from the Coroners' Court were made available for the analysis. Chi-square test was used to compare the profile of the older adult suicide cases in the pre-SARS, peri-SARS and post-SARS periods. It showed an excess of older adults suicides in April 2003, when compared to the month of April of the other years. A trough, instead of the usual summer peak, was observed in June, suggesting some of the older adults suicides might have been brought forward. On a year basis, the annual older adult's suicide rates in 2003 and 2004 were significantly higher than that in 2002, suggesting the suicide rate did not return to the level before the SARS epidemic. Based on the Coroners' suicide death records, overall severity of illness, level of dependency and worrying of having sickness among the older adult suicides were found to be significantly different in the pre-SARS, peri-SARS and post-SARS periods. The SARS epidemic was associated with an increase in older adults' suicide rate in April 2003 and some suicide deaths in June 2003 might have been brought forward. Moreover, an increase in the annual older adults' suicide rate in 2003 was observed and the rate in 2004 did not return to the level of 2002. Loneliness and disconnectedness among the older adults in the community were likely to be associated with the excess older adults' suicides in 2003. Maintaining and enhancing mental well being of the public over the period of epidemic is as important as curbing the spread of the epidemic. Attention and effort should also be made to enhance the community's ability to manage fear and anxiety, especially in vulnerable groups over the period of epidemic to prevent tragic and unnecessary suicide deaths.
Publisher: Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc
Date: 11-11-2010
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 10-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2020-038351
Abstract: Evidence-based smoking cessation treatments are effective but underutilised, accentuating the need for novel approaches to increase use. This trial investigates the effects of active referral combined with a financial incentive to use smoking cessation services on smoking abstinence among community smokers. This ongoing study is a two-arm, assessor-blinded, pragmatic, cluster randomised controlled trial with follow‐ups at 1, 2, 3 and 6 months after randomisation. We aim to enrol 1134 daily smokers from 70 community sites (clusters) in Hong Kong. All participants receive Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, Do-it-again (AWARD) guided advice and a self-help booklet at baseline. Additionally, participants in the intervention group receive an offer of referral to smoking cessation services at baseline and a small financial incentive (HK$300≈US$38) contingent on using any of such services within 3 months. The primary outcomes are bioverified abstinence (exhaled carbon monoxide ppm and salivary cotinine ng/mL) at 3 and 6 months. Secondary outcomes include self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence, smoking reduction rate, quit attempts and the use of smoking cessation services at 3 and 6 months. Intention-to-treat approach and regression models will be used in primary analyses. This protocol has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster (IRB reference number: UW 18-318). The results of this trial will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals, and the key findings will be presented at national and international conferences. ClinicalTrials.gov Registry NCT03565796 .
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 30-06-2017
Publisher: American Medical Association (AMA)
Date: 02-2020
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.ADDBEH.2016.11.006
Abstract: Large amount of financial incentive was effective to increase tobacco abstinence, but the effect of small amount is unknown. We evaluated if a small amount of cash incentive (HK$500/US$64) increased abstinence, quit attempt, and use of cessation aids. A three-armed, block randomized controlled trial recruited 1143 adult daily smokers who participated in the Hong Kong "Quit to Win" Contest. Biochemically validated quitters of the early-informed (n=379, notified about the incentive at 1-week and 1-month follow-up) and the late-informed incentive group (n=385, notified at 3-month follow-up) received the incentive at 3months. The validated quitters of the control group (n=379) received the incentive at 6months without prior notification. All subjects received brief advice, a self-help education card and a 12-page booklet. The outcomes were self-reported 7-day point prevalence of abstinence, quit attempt (intentional abstinence for at least 24h) and use of cessation aids at 3-month follow-up. By intention-to-treat, the early-informed group at 3-month follow-up reported a higher rate of quit attempt (no smoking for at least 24h) than the other 2 groups (44.1% vs. 37.4%, Odds ratio (OR)=1.32, 95% CI 1.03-1.69, p=0.03), but they had similar abstinence (9.2% vs. 9.7%, OR=0.95, 95% CI 0.62, 1.45). The early- and late-informed group showed similar quitting outcomes. The early-informed group reported more quit attempts by reading self-help materials than the other 2 groups (31.4% vs. 25.3%, OR=1.56, 95% CI 1.12-2.18, p<0.01). The small cash incentive with early notification increased quit attempt by "self-directed help" but not abstinence. Future financial incentive-based programmes with a larger incentive, accessible quitting resources and encouragement of using existing smoking cessation services are needed.
Publisher: Informa UK Limited
Date: 2022
DOI: 10.2147/NDT.S338133
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 05-05-2023
DOI: 10.18332/TID/161860
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-02-2018
DOI: 10.1038/S41598-018-21207-1
Abstract: This randomized controlled trial aimed to examine the effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention using a risk communication approach. A total of 528 smoking cancer patients were randomly allocated either into an intervention group (n = 268) to receive brief advice based on risk communication by a nurse counselor or a control group (n = 260) to receive standard care. Subjects in both groups received a smoking cessation booklet. Patient follow-ups were at 1 week and at 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months. No significant differences were found in self-reported point-prevalence 7-day abstinence between the intervention and control groups at 6 months (15.7% vs 16.5% OR 0.94, 95% CI 0.59–1.50). The rate of at least 50% self-reported reduction of smoking at 6 months, was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (16.8% vs 12.3% OR 1.43, 95% CI 0.88–2.35). The biochemically validated quit rate at the 6-month follow-up was higher in the intervention group than in the control group (5.2% vs 3.8% OR 1.38, 95% CI 0.60–3.16). These data suggest that advice based on risk communication was not effective for quitting but improved the rate of smoking reduction among smoking cancer patients.
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/84086
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2014
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2014.08.005
Abstract: A number of studies have investigated the presence of suicide clusters, but few have sought to identify risk and protective factors of a suicide occurring within a cluster. We aimed to identify socio-demographic and contextual characteristics of suicide clusters from national and regional analyses of suicide clusters. We searched the National Coroners Information System for all suicides in Australia from 2004 to 2008. Scan statistics were initially used to identify those deaths occurring within a spatial-temporal suicide cluster during the period. We then used logistic regression and generalized estimation equations to estimate the odds of each suicide occurring within a cluster differed by sex, age, marital status, employment status, Indigenous status, method of suicide and location. We identified 258 suicides out of 10,176 suicides during the period that we classified as being within a suicide cluster. When the deceased was Indigenous, living outside a capital city, or living in the northern part of Australia (in particular, Northern Territory, Queensland and Western Australia) then there was an increased likelihood of their death occurring within a suicide cluster. These findings suggest that suicide clustering might be linked with geographical and Indigenous factors, which supported sociological explanations of suicide clustering. This finding is significant for justifying resource allocation for tackling suicide clustering in particular areas.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 27-09-2019
DOI: 10.2196/16427
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 2009
DOI: 10.1016/J.JAD.2008.05.005
Abstract: Clinical classification of types of homicide-suicide (HS) was proposed, but no information on empirical-based classification and prevalence of different types of HS was available. This paper aimed to empirically classify HS events into different clusters and to discuss specific evidence-based prevention initiatives. Data of HS offenders from Coroner's Court were analyzed through a two-step cluster analysis. Number of clusters and appropriate allocations of cases were obtained. External background variables were tested through post hoc tests to explore the differences among clusters. Two hundred and thirty-one people died in 98 episodes in the study period (1989-2005). The majority of HS offenders were male (n=68, 68.7%) and aged 30-49 (n=62, 62.6%). Domestic killing was the major type of HS in which over 60% of the homicide motivation was related to spousal conflicts or altruistic reasons. Spouses (n=46, 46.5%) and children (n=47, 47.5%) were predominantly the victims. The common killing methods included chopping with weapons (n=33, 33.3%) and charcoal burning (n=22, 22.2%). Six clusters of HS were derived from the cluster analysis and were further reduced to four major classes. Four major classes were dispute, conflicts in a relationship, altruistic, and mental illness. These classes could be differentiated by methods of homicide and suicide, gender of perpetrator, relationship with victim, and indebtedness. Financial problem, dispute and domestic violence are significant precipitants of HS in Hong Kong. Those people associated with the precipitating factors should be the targets for intervention and prevention.
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/84398
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 14-07-2023
DOI: 10.18332/TID/167479
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 24-06-2017
DOI: 10.1093/NTR/NTX147
Abstract: To motivate smokers to quit, there is a need for enhanced smoking cessation (SC) recruitment and for innovative and proactive approaches to SC. This study evaluated the feasibility, efficacy, and cost of promoting SC in public outdoor areas where smokers gather to smoke (smoking hotspots). We selected 14 smoking hotspots in Hong Kong for SC promotion in 2015. University students were trained as SC ambassadors to deliver brief SC intervention, and to recruit smokers for telephone follow-up. The proportion of smokers accepting the intervention components was recorded. Self-reported abstinence in the past 7 days and knowledge of smoking and health were assessed at the 6-month follow-up. The average costs of each smoker receiving our intervention and quitting were also compared. Of 3,080 smokers approached, 1,278 (41.5%) accepted the souvenir and 920 (29.9%) received brief advice. Of the 210 (6.8%) who consented to the follow-up, 24.5% were aged 15-29 and 46.4% were aged 30-49. Of the 151 smokers successfully contacted within 1 month after recruitment, 16 (10.6% 1.3% of the 1,278 who received any form of intervention) reported abstinence, and their overall knowledge improved. The average costs for a smoker to receive brief advice, consent to follow up by telephone, attempt to quit, and quit successfully at the 6-month follow-up were US$30, US$132, US$601, and US$1,626, respectively. Promoting SC at smoking hotspots could be a feasible way to achieve satisfactory quitting outcomes at low cost and is useful in the absence of the strengthening of tobacco policies. Our study indicates that outdoor smoking hotspots are feasible platforms for promoting SC and recruiting smokers for cessation services satisfactory outcomes can be achieved at a reasonable cost. Our promotion was particularly useful for recruiting young smokers and those who want to quit. It is feasible and efficacious to raise smokers' awareness of SC when other tobacco control policies not feasible. Indoor smoking bans or other substantial tobacco control policies could enhance the efficiency with which SC is promoted.
Publisher: Public Library of Science (PLoS)
Date: 28-08-2014
Publisher: The University of Hong Kong Libraries
DOI: 10.5353/TH_B3955699
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 02-2019
DOI: 10.1016/J.CCT.2018.12.013
Abstract: Novel approaches to engage community smokers in smoking cessation are needed as smokers typically lack motivation to quit or use evidence-based tobacco dependence treatment. Mobile instant messaging apps (e.g., WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger) are widely used but under-studied as a mobile health modality for delivering smoking cessation support. This paper presents the rationale and study design of a trial which aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a chat-based intervention using mobile instant messaging combined with brief interventions for community smokers. This is a two-arm, parallel, accessor-blinded, pragmatic cluster-randomized controlled trial on an estimated 1172 daily cigarette smokers aged ≥18 years proactively recruited from 68 community sites (cluster) throughout Hong Kong. Subjects in intervention group received three months of chat-based, instant messaging support guided by acceptance and commitment therapy and other behavioural change techniques, integrated with brief advice and active referral to a smoking cessation service using the AWARD (Ask, Warn, Advise, Refer, Do-it-again) intervention model. Control group received brief advice to quit plus a self-help booklet at baseline. Outcomes were assessed at 1-, 2-, 3- and 6-month after baseline. The primary outcome is abstinence validated by exhaled carbon monoxide (<4 ppm) and salivary cotinine (<10 ng/mL) at 6-month after baseline. Primary analyses will be based on intention-to-treat. This is the first trial examining the effectiveness of a chat-based cessation support programme combined with brief interventions in promoting abstinence. The intervention model can be adapted for other behavioural change treatments and more advanced digital smoking cessation intervention.
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Date: 25-06-2015
DOI: 10.1093/HER/CYV023
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 09-03-2013
Abstract: ‘Suicide hotspots’ include tall structures (for ex le, bridges and cliffs), railway tracks, and isolated locations (for ex le, rural car parks) which offer direct means for suicide or seclusion that prevents intervention. We searched Medline for studies that could inform the following question: ‘ What interventions are available to reduce suicides at hotspots, and are they effective?’ There are four main approaches: (a) restricting access to means (through installation of physical barriers) (b) encouraging help-seeking (by placement of signs and telephones) (c) increasing the likelihood of intervention by a third party (through surveillance and staff training) and (d) encouraging responsible media reporting of suicide (through guidelines for journalists). There is relatively strong evidence that reducing access to means can avert suicides at hotspots without substitution effects. The evidence is weaker for the other approaches, although they show promise. More well-designed intervention studies are needed to strengthen this evidence base.
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/84369
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 02-04-2015
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 24-01-2023
Abstract: Independent studies on exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) and saliva cotinine levels in regular heated tobacco product (HTP) users, and how they compare with conventional cigarette (CC) smokers, are lacking. A total of 3294 current users of CCs, HTPs or electronic cigarettes (ECs) from a household survey and a smoking hotspot survey were classified into seven groups: exclusive users of CCs, HTPs, ECs dual users of CCs and HTPs, CCs and ECs, HTPs and ECs and triple users. We measured exhaled CO level using the piCo Smokerlyzer (n=780) and saliva cotinine using NicAlert cotinine test strips (n=620). Among the seven groups, the differences in (1) CO and cotinine levels were examined using Kruskal-Wallis test, and (2) the average daily tobacco consumption in the past 30 days was examined using multivariable linear regression. Both exclusive and dual users of CCs had a higher CO level than exclusive HTP or EC users (p .05). Exhaled CO levels were similar between HTP and EC users, as were saliva cotinine levels among the seven groups. Compared with exclusive CC users, those who also used HTPs or ECs smoked fewer CCs (CCs+HTPs: adjusted coefficient −2.79, 95% CI −3.90 to –1.69 CCs+ECs: −1.34, 95% CI −2.34 to –0.34), but consumed more tobacco sticks equivalent in total (2.79 (95% CI 1.61 to 3.96) 1.95 (95% CI 0.79 to 3.12)). HTP or EC use showed lower exhaled CO but similar saliva cotinine levels compared with CC use. Dual users of CCs and HTPs/ECs smoked fewer CCs than exclusive CC users, but consumed more tobacco in total.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 03-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-033862
Abstract: Existing literature on attitudes toward end-of-life care (EoLC) covers the general public but has little information on the frail elderly population. The aim of the current study is to investigate the preferences of Chinese frail elderly home residents with respect to EoLC by conducting cross-sectional surveys. Surveys, including resident and family versions, were developed based on the existing literature and our pilot interviews. The targeted participants were 400 frail elderly home residents (aged ≥65 years old) and 200 family caregivers. Purposive s ling will be used as each elderly home will help to recruit five to 15 elderly participants for the study. Descriptive analysis and modelling will be used to examine preferences on EoLC and related factors, as well as to compare the responses of elderly home residents with those of their family caregivers. The cross-sectional survey has obtained approval from the Institutional Review Board. Confidentiality and safety issues will be carefully observed. The results of the study will be disseminated through international conferences, peer-reviewed academic journal publications, and a report in plain language to be shared with elderly residential homes.
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 04-2020
DOI: 10.1136/BMJOPEN-2019-036339
Abstract: More than half of the smoking population in Hong Kong are unmotivated to quit. Only about 2% of tobacco users in the territory have ever used cessation aids such as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). The present study aims to assess the effectiveness of delivering 1-week free NRT s le plus brief intervention to smokers at outdoor smoking hotspots on quit attempts and use of smoking cessation services. This is a two-arm, pragmatic, multisite, cluster randomised controlled trial (RCT) on the effectiveness of increasing quit attempts, use of cessation service and recruitment outcomes. Trained smoking cessation ambassadors will approach smokers at outdoor smoking hotspots, and deliver brief smoking cessation advice. Recruitment sessions are randomised to intervention or control group (allocation ratio 1:1). Participants in the intervention group (n=550) will receive 1-week free NRT s le (either patch or gum), brief medication advice from an onsite nurse and cessation service referral, whereas participants in control group (n=275) will only receive the brief advice and service referral. The primary outcomes are the proportion of participants who enrol in any cessation service in Hong Kong within 1 month of the recruitment, and the proportion of participants who report quit attempts at 1-month follow-up. Secondary outcomes include self-reported use of NRT, self-reported 7-day tobacco abstinence, 30-day abstinence at 3 months and 6 months, biochemically validated abstinence at 6 months, perceived importance, difficulty and confidence to quit (scale 0–10), and Incremental Behavior Change towards Smoking Cessation. Process outcomes include number of smokers who will be approached, will accept the brief smoking cessation advice or be recruited to participate in the RCT. The Institutional Review Board of the University of Hong Kong/Hospital Authority Hong Kong West Cluster approved the trial (UW 18-118). Findings will be disseminated through funding website, publication and conference presentations. NCT03717051
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2018
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 04-03-2022
DOI: 10.18332/TID/145935
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 03-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/84408
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 28-07-2017
DOI: 10.1007/S11121-017-0823-Z
Abstract: Smoking cessation counseling by healthcare professionals is effective, but very few healthcare professionals can deliver these interventions in the busy clinical settings. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a brief smoking cessation advice delivered by briefly-trained youth counselors at the enrolment of an incentive-based smoking cessation c aign. The study design was a cluster 2-arm randomized controlled trial of 831 Chinese adult smokers who were recruited in public areas to participate in the Hong Kong Quit to Win Contest 2010. The intervention group (n = 441) received a 5-min quitting advice from the youth counselors, who were mainly undergraduate nursing students, and a 12-page self-help smoking cessation booklet at the enrolment, while the control group (n = 390) only received the same booklet. Biochemically confirmed quitters at 6-month follow-up could join a lucky draw that offered HK$10,000 (US$1282) cash prize to three winners and HK$4000 gift vouchers to the other 10 winners. Primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence at 6-month follow-up. By intention-to-treat, the intervention group had a non-significantly higher self-reported (18.4 versus 13.8%, OR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.96-2.04, p = 0.08) and validated quit rate (9.1 versus 6.7%, OR = 1.40, 95% CI 0.84-2.33, p = 0.20) than the control group at 6-month follow-up. The analysis with multiple imputation for missing data also found similar results. We concluded that the brief on-site advice by trained youth counselors had a modest effect on smoking cessation, but the effect was not significant. Future studies with larger s le size and results from higher participation of the biochemical validation to confirm the effectiveness are warranted.
Publisher: Hogrefe Publishing Group
Date: 07-2012
DOI: 10.1027/0227-5910/A000144
Abstract: Background: Suicide clusters have commonly been documented in adolescents and young people. Aims: The current review conducts a literature search in order to identify and evaluate postvention strategies that have been employed in response to suicide clusters in young people. Methods: Online databases, gray literature, and Google were searched for relevant articles relating to postvention interventions following a suicide cluster in young people. Results: Few studies have formally documented response strategies to a suicide cluster in young people, and at present only one has been longitudinally evaluated. However, a number of strategies show promise, including: developing a community response plan educational sychological debriefings providing both in idual and group counseling to affected peers screening high risk in iduals responsible media reporting of suicide clusters and promotion of health recovery within the community to prevent further suicides. Conclusions: There is a gap in formal evidence-based guidelines detailing appropriate postvention response strategies to suicide clusters in young people. The low-frequency nature of suicide clusters means that long-term systematic evaluation of response strategies is problematic. However, some broader suicide prevention strategies could help to inform future suicide cluster postvention responses.
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 05-07-2018
DOI: 10.18332/TID/92585
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 29-07-2016
DOI: 10.1007/S13187-016-1085-3
Abstract: Increased outdoor smoking is a common phenomenon after indoor smoking bans were in place. A series of observational studies were conducted to evaluate a novel, proactive, and brief smoking cessation intervention at outdoor smoking "hotspots," i.e., outdoor public areas where ashtrays were available and smokers clustered to smoke. The number of smokers at 26 selected hotspots were observed and counted for two consecutive days. Further observations of the smokers' characteristics and brief smoking cessation intervention were conducted at ten of the hotspots with the greatest number of smokers. Responses of the smokers to the brief intervention, including a leaflet and brief smoking cessation advice using AWAR protocol delivered by trained smoking cessation ambassadors, were assessed. A total of 24,034 smokers were observed within 464 h, which equals 51.8 smokers per hour. Of the 5070 pedestrians observed at the ten hotspots during the intervention sessions, 1228 (24.2 %) were smokers. In the 1228 smokers who were approached during our intervention sessions, about two thirds were willing to receive the self-help leaflet on smoking cessation whereas about half received the brief smoking cessation advice. Recruiting smokers and delivering brief smoking cessation interventions at smoking hotspots are feasible and likely effective to reach large numbers of smokers. Studies to evaluate the effectiveness of using this approach for smoking cessation are warranted.
Publisher: JMIR Publications Inc.
Date: 22-10-2015
DOI: 10.2196/JMIR.4829
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 23-08-2010
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 31-10-2011
Abstract: Body shape dissatisfaction has been thought to have an indispensable impact on weight control behaviors. We investigated the prevalence of body shape dissatisfaction (BSD) and explored its association with weight status, education level and other determinants among young adults in Hong Kong. Information on anthropometry, BSD, and socio-demographics was collected from a random s le of 1205 young adults (611 men and 594 women) aged 18-27 in a community-based household survey. BSD was defined as a discrepancy between current and ideal body shape based on a figure rating scale. Cross-tabulations, homogeneity tests and logistic regression models were applied. The percentages of underweight men and women were 16.5% and 34.9% respectively, and the corresponding percentages of being overweight or obese were 26.7% and 13.2% for men and women respectively. Three-quarters of young adults had BSD. Among women, 30.9% of those underweight and 75.5% of those with normal weight desired a slimmer body shape. Overweight men and underweight women with lower education level were more likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than those with higher education level. After controlling for other determinants, underweight women were found to have a higher likelihood to maintain their current body shapes than other women. Men were found to be less likely to have a mismatch between weight status and BSD than women. Overweight and obesity in men and underweight in women were prevalent among Hong Kong young adults. Inappropriate body shape desire might predispose in iduals to unhealthy weight loss or gain behaviors. Careful consideration of actual weight status in body shape desire is needed in health promotion and education, especially for underweight and normal weight women and those with a low education level.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 03-2017
DOI: 10.1016/J.JPEDS.2016.11.021
Abstract: To examine whether a family-based intervention targeting both smoking fathers and nonsmoking mothers in well-child health clinics is effective in increasing fathers' abstinence from cigarette smoking. This parallel 2-arm randomized controlled trial recruited a total of 1158 families with a daily-smoking father, a nonsmoking mother, and a child aged 0-18 months from the 22 maternal and child health centers in Hong Kong. The intervention group received the family-based intervention, including 6 nurse-led in idual face-to-face and telephone counseling sessions within 1 month after recruitment and a voluntary face-to-face family counseling session (FCS). The control group received a leaflet, a self-help booklet, and brief quitting advice only. Father-reported 7-day and 6-month abstinence, smoking reduction, quit attempts, mother-reported help and support, and child salivary cotinine level were assessed at 12 months. Generalized estimating equation models were used to compare these outcomes between the 2 study groups. Compared with the control group, the intervention group reported a greater prevalence of 7-day (13.7% vs 8.0% OR, 1.92 95% CI, 1.16-3.17 P < .01) and 6-month self-reported abstinence (13.4% vs. 7.5% OR, 2.10 95% CI, 1.30-3.40 P < .01). Within the intervention group, compared with receipt of in idual counseling only, participation in the FCS was associated with increases in fathers' self-reported abstinence (20.2% vs 12.3% P = .02), mothers' help (66.1% vs 43.8% P < .01), and support to the fathers (55.0% vs 45.4% P < .01). The family-based smoking cessation intervention for the families in the well-child healthcare setting was effective in increasing the fathers' self-reported abstinence. Additional participation in the FCS increased mothers' help and support to the fathers. Controlled-trials.com: ISRCTN99111655 Hkuctr.com: HKUCTR-465.
Publisher: Mary Ann Liebert Inc
Date: 06-2017
Abstract: Online social groups have been increasingly used for smoking cessation intervention. This study aimed to explore the social support components of the online discussion through WhatsApp and Facebook, how these components addressed the need of relapse prevention, and how the participants evaluated this intervention. We coded and analyzed the posts (N = 467) by the 82 recent quitters in WhatsApp and Facebook social groups, who were recruited from the eight smoking cessation clinics in Hong Kong to participate in a pragmatic randomized trial of relapse prevention. Participants' postintervention feedback was collected from the 13 qualitative interviews after the intervention. The WhatsApp social groups had more participants' posts than the Facebook counterparts. The participants' posts in the online social groups could be classified as sharing views and experiences (55.5%), encouragement (28.7%), and knowledge and information (15.8%). About half of the participants' posts (52.9%) addressed the themes listed in the U.S. Clinical Practice Guideline for preventing smoking relapse. The participants perceived the posts as useful reminders for smoking cessation, but avoidance of reporting relapse, inactive discussions, and uninteresting content were barriers to the success of the intervention. Online social groups provided a useful platform for the delivery of cessation support and encouragement of reporting abstinence, which support relapse prevention. The effectiveness of such intervention can be improved by encouraging more self-report of relapse, active discussions, sharing of interesting content, and using an appropriate discussion platform. Quitters who participate in the online social groups can benefit from peer support and information sharing, and hence prevent smoking relapse.
Publisher: Elsevier BV
Date: 10-2012
DOI: 10.1016/J.SOCSCIMED.2012.04.008
Abstract: Studies of suicide epidemiology in regions of Australia have been conducted, but the spatial pattern in the whole country has not been fully investigated. This study aimed at visualizing the sex-specific suicide pattern over the country from 2004 to 2008, and studying the metropolitan-rural-remote differentials of suicide across all states/territories. We applied a Poisson hierarchical model to yield smoothed sex specific, age standardized mortality ratios of suicide in all postal areas, and compiled the age-standardized suicide rates across different levels of remoteness and different jurisdictions. We identified the area variation of suicide risk across states/territories, and metropolitan-rural-remote differential with rates higher in rural and remote areas for males. Spatial clusters of some high risk postal areas were also identified. Socio-economic deprivation, compositional factors, high risks for Indigenous people and low access to mental health service are the underlying explanations of the elevation of suicide risk in some areas. These findings suggest that it is important to take geographical variations in suicide risk into account in national policy making. Particular suicide prevention interventions might be targeted at males living in remote areas, and some localized areas in metropolitan zones.
Publisher: E.U. European Publishing
Date: 28-08-2019
DOI: 10.18332/TID/110697
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 17-02-2010
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 07-11-2022
Abstract: Hong Kong has proposed banning the sale of heated tobacco products (HTPs). Perceptions of reduced harms and effectiveness for quitting combustible cigarettes (CCs) of HTPs due to their promotions may erode public support for regulations. We assessed the associations between perceptions of HTPs and support for regulations in Hong Kong. In two population-based landline surveys conducted in 2018-2019, 1985 respondents (51.4% male 22.7% aged 60+ years) reported perceived relative harm of HTPs to CCs and effectiveness for quitting CCs, and support for five HTP regulations (ban on promotion and advertisements, use in smoke-free areas, sales to minors, registration before sale, sale licence) and a total ban on sale. Current and former smokers were overs led due to low prevalence. Descriptive statistics were weighted to the general population. Associations were analysed, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics, smoking status and ever HTP use. 27.4% (N=515) of respondents perceived HTPs as less harmful, and 18.8% (N=1299) perceived them as effective for quitting CCs. Support was generally high (at least one regulation, 99.1%, N=1959 all five regulations, 66.8%, N=1114 total ban, 63.5%, N=946). Perceptions of reduced harm were associated with lower support for all five regulations (adjusted risk ratio 0.85, 0.75 to 0.96) and a total ban on sale (0.58, 0.51 to 0.66). Results were similar for perceptions of effectiveness for quitting. Lower support for HTP regulations and a total ban on sale were associated with perceptions of reduced harm and effectiveness for quitting CCs of HTPs in Hong Kong.
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 25-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15029
Publisher: Wiley
Date: 20-03-2020
DOI: 10.1111/ADD.15027
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-07-2019
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 04-01-2011
Publisher: BMJ
Date: 06-03-2023
Abstract: To examine the trends in the prevalence of hardening indicators and hardened smokers in Hong Kong, where the low smoking prevalence has plateaued in the recent decade. This is an analysis of repeated cross-sectional data from 9 territory-wide smoking cessation c aigns conducted annually from 2009 to 2018 (except 2011). Participants were 9837 biochemically verified daily cigarette smokers aged ≥18 years (18.5% female, mean age 43.2±14.2 years) recruited from the communities. Hardening indicators included heavy smoking ( CPD), high nicotine dependence (Heaviness of Smoking Index ≥5), no intention to quit within next 30 days and no past-year quit attempt. Perceived importance, confidence and difficulty of quitting were measured (each ranged 0–10). Multivariable regressions were used to model the changes in hardening indicators by calendar year, adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics. From 2009 to 2018, the prevalence of heavy smoking decreased from 57.6% to 39.4% (p .001), high nicotine dependence also decreased from 10.5% to 8.6% (p=0.06). However, the proportion of smokers with no intention to quit (12.7%–69.0%) and no past-year quit attempt (74.4%–80.4%) significantly increased (both p values .001). Hardened smokers (heavy smoking, no intention to quit, no past-year attempt quit attempt) significantly increased from 5.9% to 20.7% (p .001). Mean perceived importance (from 7.9±2.3 to 6.6±2.5) and confidence (from 6.2±2.6 to 5.3±2.4) of quitting also decreased significantly (all p values .001). Daily cigarette smokers in Hong Kong were motivational hardening, but not dependence hardening. Effective tobacco control policies and interventions are warranted to motivate quitting to further reduce smoking prevalence.
Publisher: Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Date: 05-04-2017
DOI: 10.1038/SREP45902
Abstract: The aim of the study was to examine the effects of a brief stage-matched smoking cessation intervention group compared with a control group (with usual care) in type 2 diabetes mellitus patients who smoked by randomized controlled trial. There were 557 patients, randomized either into the intervention group (n = 283) who received brief (20- minute) in idualized face-to-face counseling by trained nurses and a diabetes mellitus-specific leaflet, or a control group (n = 274) who received standard care. Patient follow-ups were at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months via telephone, and assessment of smoking status from 2012 to 2014. Patients smoked an average of 14 cigarettes per day for more than 37 years, and more than 70% were in the precontemplation stage of quitting. The primary outcome showed that both the intervention and control groups had similar 7-day point-prevalence smoking abstinence (9.2% vs. 13.9% p = 0.08). The secondary outcome showed that HbA1c levels with 7.95% [63 mmol/mol] vs. 8.05% [64 mmol/mol], p = 0.49 at 12 months, respectively. There was no evidence for effectiveness in promoting the brief stage-matched smoking cessation or improving glycemic control in smokers with type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly those in the pre-contemplation stage.
Publisher: MDPI AG
Date: 25-01-2021
Abstract: This study was to observe smoking behaviours and infection control behaviours in smokers at outdoor smoking hotspots during the COVID-19 pandemic in Hong Kong. We conducted unobtrusive observations at nine hotspots during 1 July 2019–31 January 2020 (pre-outbreak, 39 observations), 1 February–30 April 2020 (outbreak, eight observations), and 1 May–11 June 2020 (since-outbreak, 20 observations). Sex, age group, type of tobacco products used, duration of stay, group smoking behaviours, face mask wearing and infection control behaviours of smokers, and mask wearing of non-smoking pedestrians were observed. Compared with pre-outbreak, lower volumes of smokers were observed during outbreak and since-outbreak. Smokers gathered more in a group (24.5% and 25.8% vs. 13.4%, respectively) and stayed longer (91.5% and 83.6% vs. 80.6% stayed ≥1 min) during outbreak and since-outbreak than pre-outbreak. Ninety-six percent smokers possessed a face mask. While smoking, 81.6% of smokers put the mask under the chin and 13.8% carried it in the hand, 32.4% did not wear a mask immediately after smoking, 98.0% did not sanitize hands, and 74.3% did not keep a distance of at least one metre. During the COVID-19 pandemic, smokers gathered closely and stayed longer at the hotspots, and few practised hand hygiene, all of which may increase the risk of infection.
No related grants have been discovered for Yee Tak Derek Cheung.