Wellington residents who are eager to improve their smoking habits are encouraged to take part in a study being conducted at the University of Newcastle.
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This study – led by Dr Flora Tzelepis – uses support strategies designed to be easily accessible to people who often find it difficult to access face-to-face services to assist in quitting smoking.
The study offers people who live in regional or remote areas option of video support sessions, telephone support calls or written materials to help them quit smoking.
Wellington has been directly targeted for the project, highlighted by figures obtained from National Heart Foundation data which indicates Wellington’s prevalence of smoking is 27.1 per cent. This figure is significantly higher than the national average prevalence of smoking of 16.1 per cent.
“Regional and rural areas have higher rates of smoking compared to metropolitan areas, however Wellington’s smoking prevalence sits at the higher end of the scale compared to neighbouring rural regions such as Dubbo (19.3 per cent) and Bathurst (18 per cent),” Dr Tzelepis said.
Eligible participants are also asked to complete a brief online survey about smoking habits initially and four, seven and 13 months later.
To be eligible to participate in the study you must meet the following criteria: Currently smoke cigarettes or use tobacco every day; are aged 18 years or older; intend to quit within the next 30 days; have access to a telephone; have access to a mode of video-communication (e.g. Skype, FaceTime, or other form of video communication); have access to the internet; and have a current e-mail address.
For more information and to join the study Wellington residents can go to the website: https://www.newcastle.edu.au/research/quit