Receipt of the 5As intervention for smoking cessation among people with and without mental health disorders

• Published in: Journal of psychiatric research 2024-11, Vol.179, p.1-7
• Main Authors: Talukder, Saki, Lappin, Julia M., Boland, Veronica Clare, Weaver, Natasha, McRobbie, Hayden, Courtney, Ryan James
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 5As intervention; Addiction; Adult; Australia; Female; Humans; Male; Mental Disorders - epidemiology; Mental Disorders - therapy; Mental health disorders; Middle Aged; Smoking cessation; Smoking Cessation - statistics & numerical data; Tobacco smoking; Young Adult
• ISSN: 0022-3956; 1879-1379; 1879-1379
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2024.08.023

Brief interventions for smoking cessation, such as the 5As (ask, assess, advise, assist, arrange) are effective, but limited data are available regarding their delivery to smokers with mental health disorders (MHDs), and whether a disparity in care exists. This study explored the difference in the self-reported receipt of 5As between smokers with and without MHDs in a community setting. Baseline data from 1452 (1206 without and 246 with self-reported MHDs) Australian smokers who participated in a smoking cessation trial were analysed. Participants reported interactions with healthcare providers and receipt of the 5As over the past 12 months. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the association between receipt of the 5As and MHD status. Smokers with MHDs were significantly more likely to be asked, assessed, advised, and assisted compared to those without MHDs, but arranging follow-up was very low in both groups (7.7% with MHDs and 4.1% without MHDs). This is particularly concerning for vulnerable population like smokers with MHDs, who may struggle more in their quit attempt. The findings highlight the need to enhance the implementation of the 'arrange follow-up' component to improve cessation outcomes and reduce health disparities. •Smokers with mental health disorders (MHDs) were more likely to receive the first four components of the 5As intervention compared to those without MHDs. This suggests that healthcare providers are cognisant of the need to address smoking cessation in this high-risk population.•Both groups exhibit sub-optimal receipt of being offered to 'arrange follow-up'. This is particularly concerning for vulnerable groups like smokers with MHDs.•To address additional needs in smokers with MHDs, there should be a strong emphasis on concerted "arrange follow-up" strategies to ensure the complete implementation of the 5As framework.