UNMC Anti-Smoking CD-ROM Offers New Hope for an Old
Problem
New Years resolutions come and go and probably none more so than the
annual vows by millions of smokers to finally kick the habit. But
this year, there is a new weapon to help smokers successfully end their
relationship with tobacco. Its called Guide to Quitting: Facts
about Smoking Cessation, a CD-ROM sponsored by a grant from Nebraska Health
System University Hospital Auxiliary and distributed through the Nebraska
Office for Tobacco Control and Research at the University of Nebraska Medical
Center.
Our goal is to give smokers an understanding of why people smoke, what
happens when they try to quit, and what they should expect from the various
options now available to those desiring to quit, said Stephen Rennard,
M.D., professor in the pulmonary section of the Department of Internal
Medicine and director of the NOTCR.
The cessation program is designed to cover multiple levels of awareness
among smokers about the nature of their particular habit, Dr. Rennard
said. There is a growing proliferation of literature today about
quitting smoking, but a lot of it is centered around using one particular
technique to quit and that technique is often related to purchasing a specific
product.
Our research indicates the situation is a little more complex than
usually presented. However, we also believe that if smokers are presented
a broad range of cessation information in a concise, interactive format,
they can do a valuable self-assessment that may lead to a more committed
effort to stop smoking and stick with it.
The anti-smoking CD was funded by the NHS University Hospital Auxiliary
in June 1998. Together with Dr. Rennard, David Daughton, a behavioral
researcher in the pulmonary section of the Department of Internal Medicine,
played a significant role in developing the project.
Our effort is based upon 20 years of research on people who smoked
and tried to quit, Daughton said. We found, for example, that most people
who finally quit, quit on their own. But they didnt succeed on the
first try. No one particular method — nicotine patches, nicotine gum,
counseling sessions, medication or just cold turkey — is the best way
for all smokers. Its really a kind of trial and error for most smokers
and that is why we think our CD is such a unique aid.
Participants with the cessation CD will find it easy to click their
way through a comprehensive overview of the smoking phenomenon. The
information is supported every step of the way with video clips of actual
smokers giving personal testimonies. There are seven areas of smoking
reviewed: Why People Smoke; Whats Good About Quitting; Methods of Quitting;
What Kind of Smoker Are You; Choosing a Method for You; Steps to Quit;
and Sticking with It.
Most people begin with just a few cigarettes a week, Daughton said.
Then they smoke a little more and a little more until they develop an
addiction. Nicotine addiction is the biggest reason people find themselves
unable to quit smoking.
There are seven major elements to nicotine addiction, Daughton said.
If a smoker can admit to having any three of these elements, they are addicted
to nicotine.
The seven elements are: tolerance (you have to smoke more to get
the same effect); withdrawal symptoms when you try to stop; smoking more
cigarettes or smoking for longer periods of time than intended; a desire
to quit or previous unsuccessful attempts to quit; spending excessive amounts
of time getting cigarettes; cutting down or giving up important activities
due to effects of smoking; and continuing to smoke even though you clearly
know its harmful.
The CD is not a guarantee to quit, but we believe anyone can be helped
and that help will come in stages, Dr. Rennard said. This CD is about
quitting smoking. Hopefully, it will inspire someone to finally try to
give up the habit, or for those who have tried previously and failed, to
give it another shot and be better informed.
Guide to Quitting: Facts about Smoking Cessation is now available
to public institutions. The compact disks will be distributed free
of charge. Anyone interested in the program should contact their
local library, church, or a community non-profit organization and ask that
organization to request a copy. Due to funding limitations, only
500 CDs will be available. They will not be available to individuals
but only to associations and organizations that offer access to a large
number of viewers. For more information or to request a copy contact the
NOTCR at 559-7313.
UNMC is the only public, academic health science center in the state.
Through its commitment to research, education, outreach and patient care,
UNMC has established itself as one of the country’s leading centers for
cancer research and treatment and solid organ transplantation. Nearly $32
million in research grants and contracts were awarded to UNMC scientists
during the past fiscal year. In addition, UNMCs educational programs are
responsible for training more health professionals practicing in Nebraska
than any other institution.