NHS Lanarkshire and Universities of Glasgow and Stirling launch study into second-hand smoke

A new research study aimed at tackling the number of children breathing cigarette smoke at home has launched in Lanarkshire and is now recruiting participants.

The study, which is being led by researchers at the University of Stirling in partnership with NHS Lanarkshire and the University of Glasgow, will offer free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to parents and carers for 12 weeks.

Dr Rachel O’Donnell, from the Institute of Social Marketing and Health at the University of Stirling, said: “This project will offer free NRT by post to smokers who live with at least one child aged five or over.

“We know from previous work in this area that these types of initiatives can help people do better than they thought they would in terms of reducing their smoking – with participants in similar programmes often reducing the number of cigarettes they smoke by 50% or more.

“Smoking is highly addictive and we know that people often want to quit but are not ready to give it up completely.

“We hope this research study will ease the pressure on participants and bring those who smoke closer to thinking about quitting, supporting them to take that important first step on the journey to a smoke-free home.”

Karen Mather, NHS Lanarkshire Tobacco Control Team Leader, added: “As part of our commitment to a smoke-free future for children, we are developing initiatives that work with families to reduce the barriers they face in creating a smoke-free home.

“Second-hand smoke is harmful to everyone’s health, even pets, but it is especially harmful to babies, children and pregnant women.

“By working with the University of Stirling and the University of Glasgow, we can provide further support to families who may not feel ready to quit smoking or to contact our Quit Your Way service.

“The NRT provided will support smokers and prevent them from suffering nicotine withdrawal.

“Most importantly, it eliminates the risks of children being exposed to secondhand smoke.”

Secondhand smoke is known to be especially harmful to children, as they have less developed airways, lungs and immune systems.

Children who live in a home where at least one person smokes are more likely to develop asthma and lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

The study is funded by the Scottish Government’s Chief Scientific Office and researchers have begun recruiting 100 participants, who will take part in the pilot project over 30 months.

In addition to the free NRT, participants will also receive regular telephone support.

The team will collect saliva samples from the young man at home before and after the 12-week study, to measure changes in the amount of secondhand smoke he inhaled.

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