Publications by authors named "L SHAHAB"
Background: Smoking rates in the UK have declined steadily over the past decades, masking considerable inequalities, as little change has been observed among people with a mental health condition. This trial sought to assess the feasibility and acceptability of supplying an electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) starter kit for smoking cessation as an adjunct to usual care for smoking cessation, to smokers with a mental health condition treated in the community, to inform a future effectiveness trial.
Methods: This randomised controlled feasibility trial, conducted March-December 2022, compared the intervention (e-cigarette starter kit with a corresponding information leaflet and demonstration with Very Brief Advice) with a 'usual care' control at 1-month follow-up.
Article Synopsis
- - The study analyzed trends in vaping among ex-smokers in England from 2013 to 2024, showing a significant rise in e-cigarette use for smoking cessation efforts and ongoing vaping among those who quit smoking.
- - Data was collected from a representative sample of over 54,000 adults, revealing that e-cigarette support for quitting smoking increased from 26.9% in 2013 to 41.4% by 2024.
- - The findings highlighted that younger ex-smokers exhibited the highest vaping rates, with current vaping among those who quit smoking lasting over a year reaching 58.9% in 18-year-olds versus only 10.7% in those aged 65 and
Objectives: There is evidence that general practitioners (GPs) can increase the uptake of weight management programmes that enhance weight loss compared with self-directed efforts, but the rate at which they do so is unclear. This study examined the prevalence of weight control efforts and practices, the reported frequency and impact of receipt of GP advice on weight loss attempts and perceptions of the appropriateness of health professionals delivering weight loss advice.
Design: A nationally representative cross-sectional survey.
Article Synopsis
- This study examined tobacco smoking and vaping habits among older adults (65+) in England, focusing on their perceptions of harm regarding e-cigarettes and the effectiveness of e-cigarettes in quitting smoking.
- Data was gathered through a large household survey from April 2014 to April 2024, comparing trends in smoking and vaping between older and younger adults while adjusting for various factors.
- Results indicated stable smoking rates among older adults (around 9%) but rising vaping rates (from 2.1% to 3.7%), with older smokers being less likely to use e-cigarettes for quitting and expressing more uncertainty about e-cigarette harms compared to cigarettes.
Introduction: There is majority support in parliament and across the United Kingdom to implement a "smoke-free generation" policy which would mean people born on or after January 1, 2009, could never legally be sold tobacco. To explore the potential impact this policy could have, we estimated the number of young adults (18-25 years) currently taking up smoking each year by area across the United Kingdom.
Methods: Using data from the Office for National Statistics (ONS), Annual Population Survey (APS), and Smoking Toolkit Study (STS), we estimated the total number of 18- to 25-year-olds taking up smoking each year, based on national estimates of population size (ONS) and the proportion who reported ever having regularly smoked (STS).