Paolo D'Argenio

Electronic cigarette use as an aid to quit smoking in the representative Italian population PASSI survey

This study explored electronic cigarette (e-cigarette) use as an aid to quit smoking and compared abstinence rates for different quitting methods in a representative sample of the Italian population. In the 2014-2015 PASSI survey, the ongoing Italian behavioural risk factor surveillance system, 6112 adults who smoked and made at least one quit attempt in the previous 12months, were categorized into three groups according to the method used in their most recent quit attempt: e-cigarette only, no aid, other quitting methods (medications; programmes delivered in smoking cessation services; other unspecified methods). The primary outcome was self-reported abstinence for a period ≥6months, adjusted for potential confounders. Eleven percent used e-cigarettes only, 86% no aid, 3% other quitting methods. Smoking abstinence was reported among 9% of those using no aid; 8% of e-cigarette users; 15% of those using other methods. No significant differences in abstinence were observed for e-cigarette users compared with those reporting no aid (adjusted Prevalence Ratio [aPR]=0.81; 95%Confidence Interval (CI)=0.58-1.14). Changing the reference group to e-cigarette users, those using other quitting methods were significantly more likely to report abstinence than e-cigarette users (aPR=1.76; 95%CI=1.07-2.88). One out of ten smokers who attempted to quit in 2014-2015 in Italy used e-cigarettes. E-cigarettes users were as likely to report abstinence as those using no aid, but were less likely to report abstinence than users of established quitting methods. Further studies are needed to understand the relationship between e-cigarette types used to quit and abstinence rates.

P1-293 Involving local community: testing models for communicating surveillance data. From planning to elaborating and evaluating effective communicative tools to specific target groups at local level

Introduction When monitoring population health-related behaviours it is important to assess the effectiveness of delivering health related information to specific target groups such that any need for improved communication can be identified. The Italian Behavioural Risk Factors Surveillance System Passi is conducted through Local Health Units (LHUs) personnel interviewing a random sample of 18–69 year olds monthly. PinC, the Programme of Information and Communication for Gaining Health, promoted a training project for Passi care workers the aim of which was to achieve competency in communication using methods that were pre-tested and effective. Methods Forty operators from 25 LHUs participated in the six-monthly-training: three one day meetings (22 April 2010, 24 June 2010, 11 November 2010) and two rounds of two-monthly-activities in the field. A password-protected portal was used for exchanging materials among participants at a distance. Results The seven inter-regional Working Groups planned communication, performed and tested materials using surveillance results for specific target groups at a local level. The need for effective approaches to communication was highlighted. Draft materials (leaflets for older women, posters for young people, charts for GPs, papers for policy makers/stakeholders) were tested on selected target groups. The two lay target populations (women, children) evaluated the tools positively, critiquing images, recommending clear and essential messages, clarifying what should be done to improve health. The professional groups suggested editing of text and space for graphs/tables. Materials will be modified accordingly and delivered. Conclusion Surveillance systems are valuable tools for advocacy at a local level. Communication is fundamental for knowledge, awareness and empowerment processes in specific target groups, professional and lay. To be effective, materials must be carefully planned and tested.