Addiction and Health最新文献

{"title":"Marijuana (Cannabis) Smoking Increases the Risk of Lung Cancer: Evidence from a Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Mehdi Karimi, Kimia Kazemi, Mohammad Hossein Pourhanifeh, Parsa Irajian, Omid Asbaghi","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1710","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1710","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Marijuana (cannabis) use has become increasingly prevalent worldwide, raising concerns about its potential long-term health effects, particularly on the respiratory system. While tobacco smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer,the association between cannabis use and lung cancer risk remains unclear and controversial. This systematic review and meta-analysis of existing observational studies aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between marijuana use and the risk ofdeveloping lung cancer.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus to identify cohort and case-controlstudies up to September 2025. Studies were selected, relevant data were extracted, and statistically analyzed using effect sizes (ES)and 95% confidence intervals (CI). All analyses were conducted using STATA software.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>This meta-analysis included six observational studies, comprising 16 effect sizes, consisting of two cohort studies andfour case-control studies. The pooled analysis of the cohort studies (7 effect sizes) indicated a statistically significant associationbetween marijuana (cannabis) smoking and increased lung cancer risk (ES: 2.06; 95% CI: [1.04-4.07]; <i>P</i>=0.038; I²=75%). Incontrast, the meta-analysis of the case-control studies (9 effect sizes) showed a non-significant increase in risk (ES: 1.16; 95% CI:[0.71-1.88]; <i>P</i>=0.542; I²=82%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This meta-analysis indicates that marijuana smoking may increase lung cancer risk, with cohort studies showing asignificant twofold association. Although case-control studies were not statistically significant, the upward trend highlights theimportance of considering cannabis use in lung cancer risk assessments and patient counseling.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1710"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678052/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225069","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An Analysis of Treatment Preferences of Patients With Opioid Use Disorders: Findings From A Tertiary Drug Dependence Treatment Center in India.","authors":"Shalini Singh, Newfight Seth, Manmeet Kaur Brar, Adit Verma, Siddharth Sarkar, Anju Dhawan","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1632","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1632","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In this study, we examined the patient preferences for the treatment of opioid use disorders, the factors determining these preferences, and the barriers faced while seeking treatment for opioid use disorders.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The participants were recruited from both outpatient and inpatient services of a tertiary care centre, and the consenting adults seeking treatment for opioid use disorder were included through purposive sampling. Information on all treatment modalities for opioid use disorders was presented through a video, followed by clarifications. The options included naltrexone (oral, depot, and implant), buprenorphine (sublingual and injection), methadone, tramadol, counselling/psychotherapy, long-term residential treatment, Narcotics Anonymous meetings, and no treatment. Semi-structured questionnaires were used to collect responses, and descriptive statistics were used for data analysis.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Participants (<i>n</i>=150) had a median age of 31 years, and were all male. Most (90%) were visiting the treatment centre from other districts, with a median travel time of two hours to reach the centre. Sublingual buprenorphine (41.3%) was the preferred option, followed by oral tramadol (33.3%). The treatment outcomes (77.3%), followed by logistic reasons (14.7%), were the major determining factors for choosing a treatment option. Frequent dispensing schedules (54%) and unavailability of medication near their residence (25.3%) were the major barriers to seeking long-term care.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>There was a greater preference for oral opioid agonist medication over all other formulations. A wider availability of medications for opioid agonist maintenance treatment could improve treatment-seeking rates. Further research on treatment preference could include diverse patient groups, caregivers, and treatment providers.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1632"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575651/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978164","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effectiveness of Cognitive Rehabilitation on Cognitive Flexibility, Working Memory, Response Inhibition, and Drug Craving in Abstinent Addicts.","authors":"Mojtaba Rajabpour, Mahnaz Zargarani, Ali Rashidy-Pour","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1654","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1654","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Drug addiction leads to significant impairments in executive functions. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of cognitive rehabilitation (NEAT) in addiction treatment, focusing on cognitive flexibility, working memory, response inhibition, and drug craving.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design with a control group was employed. Thirty participants undergoing treatment at a mandatory addiction center in Semnan were randomly assigned to experimental (<i>n</i>=15) and control (<i>n</i>=15) groups. The experimental group received 14 sessions of NEAT. Assessments included the Desires for Drug Questionnaire, N-back task, Wisconsin Card Sorting Test, and Go/No-Go task. Data were analyzed using MANCOVA.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>NEAT significantly improved all target outcomes. Compared to the control group, the experimental group showed statistically significant improvement in working memory (<i>F</i>=24.53, <i>P</i><0.001, <i>η²</i> =0.47), response inhibition (<i>F</i>=17.33, <i>P</i><0.001, <i>η²</i> =0.39), and cognitive flexibility (<i>F</i>=6.98, <i>P</i>=0.01, <i>η²</i> =0.20), as well as a marked reduction in drug craving (<i>F</i>=10.11, <i>P</i>=0.004, <i>η²</i> =0.27).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The findings showed that the Neurocognitive Empowerment for Addiction Treatment (NEAT) protocol was effective in enhancing executive function and reducing drug craving in abstinent individuals. Implementing this protocol in addiction treatment centers can serve as a valuable therapeutic supplement alongside drug therapy. It is also recommended that future studies be conducted on more diverse populations.</p><p><strong>Trial registeration: </strong>IRCT20230808059086N1.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1654"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575652/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978182","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The effect of cognitive hypnotherapy on preventing relapse to opium use in men under methadone treatment.","authors":"Mansoureh Haidari, Zolaykha Karamelahi, Mohammad Zaman Kamkar","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1694","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1694","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Opium addiction is a global problem that is difficult to overcome and has a high relapse rate. Some studies have shown the effect of hypnosis in helping control withdrawal symptoms and reduce relapse. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cognitive hypnotherapy on preventing relapse to opium use in men under methadone treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This clinical trial was conducted on 34 opium addicts who were admitted to the Addiction Center of 5 AZAR GORGAN Hospital in 2024. The study population was selected from the referring patients using convenience sampling and was randomly assigned into two groups (methadone plus hypnosis) and a control (methadone only). Participants with negative urine were included in the study. Cognitive hypnotherapy was conducted, including 8 sessions (60 minutes) once a week. For all samples (intervention and control), before and after the intervention, 3 and 6 months later, a morphine test was performed, and questionnaires were completed using the Ernest Barratt Impulsiveness Scale and the Substance Craving Scale. The data were analyzed using SPSS-19 software. The significance level was considered at <i>P</i><0.05.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The rate of relapse in opium use and the mean impulsivity score in all of its dimensions in the hypnotherapy group was lower than that in the control group after the intervention, three and six months later, though it was not statistically significant (<i>P</i>>0.05). Although the mean craving score in the two groups was not statistically significant, the craving score in the hypnotherapy group was lower than that in the control group (<i>P</i>>0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cognitive hypnotherapy can help reduce the desire to use opiate drugs.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1694"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978211","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A Comparison of the Long-Term Effects of Opium Tincture and Methadone Syrup on Testicular and Prostate Histology in Male Rats.","authors":"Asma Shabani, Ali Sanjari, Mohammad Hasan Namaei, Mohammad Mehdi Hassanzadeh-Taheri, Mehri Shadi","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1735","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1735","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>A common way to treat opioid dependence is the consumption of opioids, particularly opium and methadone. However, there is little information about its long-term effects on male reproductive health. In this study, rats› male reproductive system›s hormonal and histological parameters were examined in relation to the long-term oral effects of methadone syrup and opium tincture.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>42 male adult Wistar rats were randomly divided into six equal groups and administered orally with methadone (dose escalation to 50 mg/kg) or opium tincture (dose escalation to 200 mg/kg) for 4 or 8 weeks. At the conclusion of treatment, serum testosterone, the relative weights of the prostate and testes, Johnson's score, and histomorphometric indices such as seminiferous tubule area, germinal epithelium area, and prostatic epithelial height were measured.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>Chronic opium tincture treatment significantly decreased serum testosterone, relative testicular and prostatic weights, and testicular histological indicators (<i>P</i><0.05). Methadone also damaged certain histology measurements but had a lower impact on testosterone. Prostatic epithelial height increased significantly in the 8-week methadone group, whereas all opium groups exhibited notable decreases (<i>P</i><0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Prolonged oral opium tincture causes more detrimental effects on male reproductive function than methadone, whereas extended methadone exposure may lead to prostate-specific structural changes. These findings highlight the need for careful selection and administration of opioid substitution treatments to diminish the risks of reproduction in dependent individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1735"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678054/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149224972","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cognitive Impairments in Substance Use Patients Treated with Methadone.","authors":"Elahe Abdollahi, Behnam Iravani, Mohammad Hassan Novin, Fatemeh Amini Khodashahri, Zoleikha Bayat","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1693","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1693","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Substance abuse remains a critical global challenge with social, economic, and health impacts. Cognitive impairments are recognized as significant risk factors for relapse and poor treatment outcomes in individuals undergoing substance abuse treatment. This study investigated the prevalence of cognitive impairments and associated factors among patients receiving methadone maintenance therapy (MMT).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted among 370 patients receiving MMT at substance abuse treatment centers in Rasht in 2022. Participants were selected through a two-stage cluster sampling method after obtaining informed consent. Data were collected using demographic questionnaires, the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21), and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Statistical analyses, including standard deviation, Spearman's correlation, and the Kruskal-Wallis test, were conducted using SPSS version 21 (<i>P</i>=0.0001).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cognitive impairments were observed in 11.1% of participants, with an average age of 49.58±14.40 years. Male participants scored significantly higher on the verbal fluency (<i>P</i>=0.004) and delayed recall (<i>P</i>=0.030) subscales. Employed or retired patients demonstrated better cognitive performance compared to their unemployed counterparts (<i>P</i>=0.0001). Cognitive scores were inversely correlated with age (<i>P</i>=0.0001) and positively correlated with education level (<i>P</i>=0.0001). Longer primary substance use duration, higher methadone doses, and longer treatment durations were inversely associated with cognitive performance (<i>P</i>=0.0001). Stress, depression, and anxiety scores were inversely correlated with MoCA scores (<i>P</i>=0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Cognitive impairments were identified in 11.1% of participants. Longer durations of primary substance use, higher methadone maintenance doses, and extended treatment durations were significantly associated with poorer cognitive performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1693"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678050/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225046","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Peer Delinquency Influences on Adolescents' High-Risk Behaviors in Tehran and Mashhad, Iran.","authors":"Nafiseh Lakzaei, Masoomeh Maarefvand, Akbar Biglarian","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1700","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1700","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Adolescents are often influenced by their peer groups, leading to behavioral similarities. This study investigated the correlation between associating with delinquent peers and the propensity for high-risk behaviors among teenagers.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional study involved adolescents from the urban environments of Tehran and Mashhad. A convenience sampling method was employed to select participants, and data were collected using two validated instruments: the Adolescent Affiliation with Delinquent Peers Questionnaire and the Youth Risk Behavior Questionnaire. The subsequent data analysis was performed using SPSS, enabling a comprehensive exploration of relationships among variables.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The study included 200 adolescents, mostly female, aged 16-19 years, primarily from Tehran. Most lived with families, 76% were unemployed, and less than 11% lived with others outside their parents. The findings revealed a significant relationship between associating with delinquent peers and the manifestation of high-risk behaviors among adolescents. It was observed that young individuals who spend time with peers engaged in delinquent activities are more inclined to imitate these behaviors.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>This study underscores the considerable impact of peer association on adolescent behavior. It highlights the troubling reality that teenagers who align themselves with delinquent peers are at a heightened risk of adopting risky behaviors that could have lasting consequences. Addressing these dynamics is crucial for developing effective interventions aimed at mitigating the influence of negative peer relationships and promoting healthier, more constructive social interactions among young people.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1700"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678049/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225062","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"From Within and Beyond: A Comparative Study of Self and Affiliate Stigma in Alcohol Use Disorder.","authors":"Anjali Rathee, Sandhya Gupta, Priyanshi Dixit, Yumnam Surbala Devi, Rinkal Jangid","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1686","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1686","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) is a widespread medical condition that impacts individuals globally, with significant social, psychological, and health consequences. Both self-stigma and affiliate stigma have been identified as major barriers to treatment and recovery. This study compared levels of self-stigma and affiliate stigma among individuals attending De-addiction centres and those participating in Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) groups.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional, comparative study utilizing purposive sampling involving 50 dyads of individuals recovering from alcohol dependence and their family members was conducted. Data were collected using standardized scales for self-stigma (Substance Abuse Self-Stigma Scale) and affiliate stigma (Affiliate Stigma Scale). Appropriate statistical tests were applied.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The results indicate that self-stigma levels were similar across both groups, while affiliate stigma was significantly lower among family members of AA participants. Factors such as age, education, and employment status were found to influence stigma in both groups, with education and employment linked to lower stigma.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The study highlights the persistence of self-stigma despite abstinence and the potential stigma-buffering effect of AA's community-based support model for families. Stigma-reduction strategies such as integrating AA-style peer models into formal treatment, offering family counselling in De-addiction Centres, and launching culturally sensitive public awareness campaigns may improve recovery outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1686"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13678061/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149225124","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Facilitators and Challenges in Oral Health Care for Iranian Patients Undergoing Opioid Maintenance Treatment: A Qualitative Study.","authors":"Mahdie Zeinali, Mohammad Reza Dehestanee, Maryam Alsadat Hashemipour","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1662","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1662","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This qualitative study aimed to explore the challenges and enablers of oral health care for patients receiving opioid maintenance treatment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Forty-nine patients under opioid maintenance treatment were included in the study. All interviews were audio recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interview proceeded until data saturation, after which the collected data were analyzed using content analysis methods.</p><p><strong>Findings: </strong>The most common reasons for problems preventing access to dental services include lack of financial resources, long travel distances (e.g., living in mountainous areas), prioritizing drug seeking, limited availability of dentists, addiction-related indifference, difficulty tolerating waiting times, fear of arrest, lack of time off from work, and prioritizing substance use over dental treatment. Two participants reported that the clinic staff were kind and behaved appropriately. Additionally, seven participants stated that the staff did not discriminate between them and other patients. Regarding dental services, the participants requested that costs be covered, services be insured or free, and that they be informed about suitable service locations.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Patients undergoing maintenance treatment with opioids need more oral and dental health care than the general population. For better access of patients undergoing opioid maintenance treatment to these services, it is better to provide special centers for these people with trained personnel to treat them with insurance coverage.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1662"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575657/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Fighting the Smoking Epidemic in Syria: First Online Course to Equip Health Professionals with Smoking Cessation Competencies.","authors":"Yazan Kenjrawi, Kheder Kheder, Nour Alkurdi, Sulaf Hamid, Kenneth D Ward, Yara Salameh, Maysson Dashash","doi":"10.34172/ahj.1666","DOIUrl":"10.34172/ahj.1666","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The prolonged conflict in Syria has increased psychosocial stress and contributed to high smoking rates. Despite healthcare providers' critical role in smoking cessation, medical curricula lack adequate coverage of related competencies, and high physician smoking rates remain major barriers. This study evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of the Smoking Cessation Strategy Course (SCSC), an online course aimed at enhancing Syrian healthcare professionals' knowledge, perceived skills, and attitudes toward smoking cessation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This single-arm intervention involved a peer-led, asynchronous online course comprising 10 brief lessons (each 10 minutes long) and facilitated WhatsApp discussions. Participants (n=120) included medical, dental, and pharmacy students and graduates. Pre- and post-intervention questionnaires assessed smoking cessation knowledge, perceived skills, and attitudes. Paired t-tests evaluated changes (<i>P</i><0.05).</p><p><strong>Finding: </strong>Ninety-four participants completed the post-test (78.3% retention). Knowledge improved significantly (pre-test 11.5±1.5 vs. post-test 17.4±1.55; <i>P</i><0.001, d=0.86) and perceived skills (pre-test 3.53±0.60 vs. post-test 4.14±0.66; <i>P</i><0.001, d=0.82). Attitudes showed slight, non-significant (pre-test 3.00±0.37 vs. post-test 3.24±0.40; <i>P</i>=0.19). Dropout analysis indicated no demographic differences, though non-completers held more negative baseline attitudes.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The SCSC significantly improved knowledge and perceived confidence in delivering smoking cessation interventions, demonstrating feasibility in a low-resource, conflict-affected context. While attitude changes were limited, this online model offers a scalable, low-cost approach to strengthening tobacco treatment capacity in Syria and similar LMIC settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":33943,"journal":{"name":"Addiction and Health","volume":"18 ","pages":"1666"},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13575663/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148978167","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}