Assessing the reach of nicotine replacement therapy as a preventive public health measure.

Introduction: Access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) is a key public health intervention to reduce smoking. We assessed prevalence and correlates of use of NRT in Ontario, where NRT is available without prescription.

Methods: Participants were a representative sample of 2262 adult smokers in the Ontario Tobacco Survey cohort. Prospectively measured use of NRT over a 6-month period was reported in relation to smoking behaviour and history, attempts to quit, receipt of other supports for cessation supports and attitudes toward NRT.

Results: Overall, 11% of smokers used NRT over the six-month follow-up period. Prevalence was 25% among the 27% of smokers matching clinical guidelines that recommend NRT as a therapeutic option, and low among smokers not trying to quit.

Conclusion: With increasing accessibility of NRT, further surveillance and research are warranted to determine the impact of the reach and benefits of NRT, considering both the general and targeted smoking populations.