About the Project (NO LONGER ENROLLING)
The Tobacco Harm Research Project started with our professional staff collecting information from those eligible individuals interested in participating. We asked about their goals, tobacco use history, previous attempts to change and current health.
Weekly counseling and aids
Once enrolled in the project, participants had brief, once-a-week counseling either in person, by phone or video and a choice of medications (Chantix, Zyban) or nicotine replacements (nicotine gum, patch, lozenge, snus or electronic cigarette). They also had the option of not using any aids to help them reduce their tobacco use. Each individual set their own change goal.
Measuring progress
Once a month, we measured any changes in tobacco use the participant experienced. We also collected a breathalyzer value to tell us how well the program was helping participants achieve their goal.
Project findings
We posted periodic updates on the research findings and outcomes on this site. No names or other personal identifiers were used. We are serious about protecting anonymity: Each participant received a research study number that will be used in any data we collected or will disseminate.
Commitment and compensation
Participation lasted for six months and included up to $40 per month compensation.
— All service, medications and products were free to participants. —
This three-year research project is funded by Foundation for a Smoke Free World, a US nonprofit 501(c)(3), independent global organization with the purpose of improving global health by ending smoking in this generation.
The Foundation accepts charitable gifts from PMI Global Services Inc. (PMI); under the Foundation’s Bylaws and Pledge Agreement with PMI, the Foundation is independent from PMI and the tobacco industry. The contents, selection, and presentation of facts, as well as any opinions expressed herein are the sole responsibility of the authors and under no circumstances shall be regarded as reflecting the positions of the Foundation for a Smoke-Free World, Inc.
Covid-19 and the Project
As health providers and researchers, we are especially committed to the safety of our study participants, colleagues and staff, and we instituted all necessary precautions to protect them. Changes were made so we could conduct once-a-week counseling by phone, if a participant prefers.
Other aspects of the project, however, required in-person contact. Before and during those contacts, we confirmed the participant’s recent and current health status; sanitized all spaces, devices and supplies after each participant’s procedure; and provided participants with disinfectant, gloves and masks. All procedures complied with California and San Francisco health guidelines and mandates, and we remained current on CDC and global guidelines.
Source: Average savings in S.F. Bay Area, thrrp.org, Tobacco Harm Reduction Research Project, 2020.