Heated tobacco products and a telemedicine smoking cessation programme: A retrospective study

ObjectivesJapan is one of the largest markets for heated tobacco products (HTP), and the number of HTP users, including dual users, is burgeoning. However, it is not yet clear whether a telemedicine smoking cessation programme is helpful for nicotine-dependent people who use HTPs. MethodsWe retrospectively evaluated the effectiveness of a telemedicine smoking cessation programme for nicotine-dependent tobacco product users, comparing short- and long-term continuous abstinence rates (CAR) from 9 to 24 weeks (CAR9-24) and 9 to 52 weeks (CAR9-52). We divided programme participants into 1) exclusively cigarette users, 2) exclusively HTP users, and 3) dual users. Using logistic regression with inverse probability weighting, an adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) for CAR was calculated to compare the differences among the three groups. ResultsWe analysed 733 telemedicine smoking cessation programme participants (exclusively cigarette users, 52%; exclusively HTP users, 31%; and dual-users, 16%) dating August 2018 to October 2020. HTP users had higher CARs than the exclusively cigarettes group in CAR9-24 (aOR, 1.12; CI, 1.02-1.23; p=0.02) and CAR9-52 (aOR 1.09; CI, 0.99-1.19; p=0.08). Conversely, dual users had lower CARs than the exclusively cigarettes group in the CAR9-24 (aOR, 0.85; CI, 0.76-0.95; p=0.004) and CAR9-52 (aOR, 0.88; CI, 0.79-0.97; p=0.01). ConclusionsExclusively HTP users achieved higher CARs, whereas dual users had lower CARs than exclusively cigarette users over short- and long-term periods. A telemedicine smoking cessation programme may be a reasonable option for exclusively HTP users. Key messagesO_ST_ABSWhat is already known on this topicC_ST_ABSTelemedicine smoking cessation programmes can be helpful for some nicotine-dependent people. What this study addsExclusively HTP users had higher continuous abstinence rates (CARs) than the exclusively cigarettes group. Conversely, dual users had lower CARs than the exclusively cigarettes group. A telemedicine smoking cessation programme may be a reasonable option for exclusive HTP users. How this study might affect research, practice, or policyIn addition to conventional combustible cigarettes, the number of HTP users, including dual users, is burgeoning in Japan. This study could add an effective and alternative option for HTP users to remotely quit smoking in the era of COVID-19 and beyond.