Smoking cessation support preferences among people released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.

Abstract

Purpose: This study aims to investigate previous use, awareness and preferences for various forms of cessation support among a sample of people recently released from smoke-free prisons in Queensland, Australia.

Design/methodology/approach: A total of 114 people who were released from prison in the previous two months and reported daily tobacco use upon prison entry were recruited from 12 Probation and Parole offices across South-East Queensland to complete a survey measuring use, awareness and preferences for various forms of smoking cessation support before, during and after incarceration. Data were analysed with descriptive statistics.

Findings: In total, 32% of participants had used nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) or cessation medications prior to prison, and 26% reported NRT use while in prison. Only 3% of participants accessed free Quitline telephone counselling while in prison. The development of a peer smoking cessation support group was the most favoured form of smoking cessation support both within prison (42%) and after release (52%). Despite high awareness of the availability of subsidised products upon release (76%), unsupported abstinence ("cold turkey") was slightly preferred as a helpful post-release cessation method (28%), compared to NRT products (24%).

Originality/value: To the best of the authors' knowledge, this is the first study to investigate preferences for smoking cessation support among people released from smoke-free prisons. Findings suggest that implementing prison- and community-based peer support cessation programs and facilitating widespread provision of NRT in prison and post-release should be a priority to reduce high levels of smoking-related morbidity and mortality among this population.