Publications by authors named "R Bittoun"
Article Synopsis
- The increasing use of e-cigarettes among children and adolescents raises global health concerns, prompting a study on Sydney GPs' knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding this issue.
- A pilot study was conducted with 53 GPs using an electronic questionnaire, revealing strong awareness of respiratory risks but less knowledge about cardiac effects and burns, along with minimal discussions on e-cigarettes in practice.
- The study concluded that while GPs have some understanding of adverse effects, they lack comprehensive knowledge and confidence to address e-cigarette use among youth, highlighting the need for educational programs to improve their skills and awareness.
Introduction: Electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use in Australia has rapidly increased since the 2017 National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Chief Executive Officer (CEO) statement on e-cigarettes. The type of products available and the demographic characteristics of people using these products have changed. New evidence has been published and there is growing concern among public health professionals about the increased use, particularly among young people who do not currently smoke combustible cigarettes.
View Article and Find Full Text PDFTobacco dependence management in a smoke-free inpatient drug and alcohol unit.
Australas Psychiatry
February 2021
Objective: Various smoke-free policies and practices (carbon monoxide monitoring, nicotine replacement therapy, pharmacotherapy, behavioural interventions) have been introduced to manage tobacco dependence in inpatient drug and alcohol facilities. Since the introduction of a smoke-free policy to our inpatient drug and alcohol facility, there has been no objective evaluation of its practices or patients' views.
Methods: We administered a questionnaire to 42 inpatients identified as smokers.
Background: Whether trauma exposure itself or consequent posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is primarily responsible for smoking and failure to quit remains unclear.
Methods: A cohort of male Australian Vietnam veterans (N = 388) was interviewed twice, 22 and 36 years after their return to Australia using standardized psychiatric diagnostic and health interviews and assessment of combat exposure. The smoking trajectory over time revealed a spectrum of outcomes (never smoked, early quitters, late quitters, and continuing smokers).