David B Abrams

Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences

Professional overview

Dr. David Abrams' career focuses on systems and social learning frameworks to inform population health enhancement. He has experience in testing theory, research design, measuring mechanisms of behavior change and outcome, and evaluating clinical trials (behavioral and pharmacological). His interests span topics from basic bio-behavioral mechanisms and clinical treatments to policy across risk factors and behaviors (e.g. tobacco/nicotine; alcohol, obesity, co-morbidity of medical and mental health), disease states (cancer; cardiovascular; HIV-AIDS), levels (biological, individual, organizational, worksite, community, global, and internet based), populations and disparities. His interests converge in the domain of implementation science to cost-efficiently inform evidence-based public health practice and policymaking.

Through transdisciplinary and translational research strategies, Dr. Abrams provides scientific leadership in tobacco control. His current focus is in strengthening global and United States tobacco and nicotine management strategies. Deaths of 1 billion smokers are estimated by 2100 caused overwhelmingly by use of combustible (smoked) tobacco products, not nicotine. Harm minimization is a key overarching systems strategy to speed the net public health benefit of emergent disruptive technologies for cleaner nicotine delivery. The goal is more rapid elimination of preventable deaths, disease burdens, and the widening gap in health disparities driven disproportionately by disparities in smoking.

Dr. Abrams was a professor and founding director of the Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine at Brown University Medical School. He then directed the Office of Behavioral and Social Sciences Research at the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Until 2017, he was Professor of Health Behavior and Society at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the founding Executive Director of the Schroeder National Institute of Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative (formerly the American Legacy Foundation).

Dr. Abrams has published over 250 peer reviewed scholarly articles and been a Principal Investigator on numerous NIH grants. He is lead author of The Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook: A Guide to Best Practices. He has served on expert panels at NIH and National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine on Obesity, Alcohol Misuse and Ending the Tobacco Problem: A Blueprint for the Nation. He has also served on the Board of Scientific Advisors of the National Cancer Institute (NIH-NCI) and was President of the Society of Behavioral Medicine.

For a complete list of Dr. Abrams' published work, click here.

Education

BSc (Hons), Psychology and Computer Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa

MS, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

PhD, Clinical Psychology, Rutgers University, New Brunswick, NJ

Postdoctoral Fellow, Brown Medical School, Providence, RI

Honors and awards

Research Laureate Award, American Academy of Health Behavior (2014)

Joseph W. Cullen Memorial Award for Tobacco Research, American Society for Preventive Oncology (2008)

Distinguished Alumni Award: Rutgers University, The Graduate School, New Brunswick, NJ (2007)

The Musiker-Miranda Distinguished Service Award, American Psychological Association (2006)

Distinguished Service Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Outstanding Research Mentor Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (2006)

Book of the Year Award: Tobacco Dependence Treatment Handbook. American Journal of Nursing (2005)

Distinguished Scientist Award, Society of Behavioral Medicine (1998)

Areas of research and study

Behavioral Science

Chronic Diseases

Evaluations

Implementation and Impact of Public Health Regulations

Implementation science

Population Health

Public Health Pedagogy

Public Health Systems

Research Design

Systems Integration

Systems Interventions

Tobacco Control

Translational science

Publications

Publications

Addressing NRT Contraindications during Enrollment in a Smoking Cessation Trial.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Abstract

Abstract

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Contraindications during Enrollment in a Smoking Cessation Trial.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Abstract

Abstract

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Effectiveness of Nicotine Vape Products (E-cigarettes) as a Smoking Cessation Aid for US Adults --A Narrative Review of Findings from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

International Jnl of Nicoine and Tobacco Research

Abstract

Abstract

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Repeat Behavioral Counseling, With and Without Combination Nicotine Replacement Therapy, for Smoking Cessation Among People With HIV in South Africa

Abrams, D., Keke, C., Lebina, L., Motlhaoleng, K., Niaura, R., Abrams, D., Variava, E., Abraham, P., Gupte, N., Golub, J. E., Martinson, N., & Elf, J. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

AIDS and behavior

Abstract

Abstract

Repeating an intervention strategy consistent with the chronic disease care model has been demonstrated to be efficacious in improving cessation outcomes among smokers. However, evidence is lacking for repeat treatment outcomes among people with HIV (PWH) who smoke in low-resource settings. We evaluated outcomes among participants (n = 384) who were provided a second round of treatment after initial treatment failure in a randomized controlled trial of behavioral counseling (BC) with or without combination nicotine replacement therapy (nicotine patches and gum, cNRT). The primary outcome was self-reported smoking abstinence at 6 months after repeat treatment, biochemically verified using exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) and urine cotinine test. Secondary outcomes include smoking abstinence at 2 months after repeat treatment and smoking reduction, measured by changes in exhaled breath CO at 2 months and 6 months after repeat treatment. Overall, 35 (9%) participants were abstinent at 6 months post-repeat treatment, including 15 (8%) participants in the repeat BC group compared to 20 (11%) participants in the repeat BC + cNRT group. There was no significant difference in abstinence rates between repeat treatment groups (Chi Squared (χ) = 0.23; p = 0.63), including after adjusting for potential confounders [adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 1.16, 95% CI 0.39, 3.47; p = 0.79]. Although augmenting repeat treatment of BC with cNRT may not provide additional benefits for PWH with prior treatment failure in this population, PWH in this setting may benefit from a repeat treatment strategy of BC with or without cNRT.

Repeat treatment of behavioral counseling with and without combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation among people with HIV in South Africa. 

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Journal title

AIDS and Behavior

Abstract

Abstract

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Smoking Reduction in a Randomized Trial of Phone-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment Among Lung Cancer Screening Patients.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Abstract

Abstract

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The Potential Benefits of Broad Inclusion Criteria in a Randomized Cessation Trial: Lower Readiness to Quit Smoking is Associated with Greater Interest in Cessation Medication Use.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2026

Abstract

Abstract

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A randomized trial for combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation among people with HIV in a low-resourced setting

Abrams, D., Elf, J. L., Lebina, L., Motlhaoleng, K., Chon, S., Niaura, R. S., Abrams, D. S., Variava, E., Gupte, N., Martinson, N., & Golub, J. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

AIDS

Volume

39

Issue

5

Page(s)

526-534

10.1097/QAD.0000000000004093

Abstract

Abstract

Objective: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination nicotine replacement therapy (c-NRT) for smoking cessation among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa. Design: We conducted an open-label, individually randomized clinical trial. Methods: Using a two-armed approach, PWH who smoke were randomized to receive either intensive antismoking behavioral counselling or intensive antismoking behavioral counseling plus c-NRT (nicotine patches augmented by nicotine gum). Self-reported smoking abstinence was biochemically validated with exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO) and urine cotinine at 6 months. Recruitment, provision of trial interventions, and follow-up of participants took place in March 2014 through June 2016. Results: We randomly assigned 280 participants to the behavioral counseling arm and 281 participants to the behavioral counseling + c-NRT arm. Four hundred and thirty-eight (78%) participants were men and 123 (22%) were women. For our primary outcome of biochemically verified abstinence at 6 months, 41 (15%) were quit in the behavioral counseling + c-NRT arm vs. 28 (10%) in the behavioral counseling arm, resulting in a 5% [95% confidence interval (CI) -1 to 10%] absolute difference in relative risk and an adjusted odd ratio of 1.47 (95% CI 0.86-2.52) comparing the behavioral counseling + c-NRT to the behavioral counseling arm. Conclusion: Although our results did not reach statistical significance, we found augmentation of behavioral counseling with c-NRT to increase smoking abstinence at 6 months, which is consistent with performance in the general population. PWH in low-resource settings may benefit from the addition of c-NRT to existing tobacco cessation interventions.

A randomized trial for combination nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation among people with HIV in a low-resourced setting

Abrams, D., Elf, J. L., Lebina, L., Motlhaoleng, K., Chon, S., Niaura, R., Abrams, D., Variava, E., Gupte, N., Martinson, N., & Golub, J. E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

AIDS (London, England)

Volume

39

Issue

5

Page(s)

526-534

Abstract

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of combination nicotine replacement therapy (c-NRT) for smoking cessation among people with HIV (PWH) in South Africa.

Corrigendum to "Associations of risk factors of e-cigarette and cigarette use and susceptibility to use among baseline PATH study youth participants (2013-2014)" [Addict. Behav. 91 (2019) 51-60]

Abrams, D., Sawdey, M. D., Day, H. R., Coleman, B., Gardner, L. D., Johnson, S. E., Limpert, J., Hammad, H. T., Goniewicz, M. L., Abrams, D. B., Stanton, C. A., Pearson, J. L., Kaufman, A. R., Kimmel, H. L., Delnevo, C. D., Compton, W. M., Bansal-Travers, M., Niaura, R. S., Hyland, A., & Ambrose, B. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Addictive behaviors

Volume

167

Page(s)

108340

Abstract

Abstract

~

Corrigendum to "Associations of risk factors of e-cigarette and cigarette use and susceptibility to use among baseline PATH study youth participants (2013-2014)" [Addict. Behav. 91 (2019) 51-60]

Abrams, D., Sawdey, M. D., Day, H. R., Coleman, B., Gardner, L. D., Johnson, S. E., Limpert, J., Hammad, H. T., Goniewicz, M. L., Abrams, D. B., Stanton, C. A., Pearson, J. L., Kaufman, A. R., Kimmel, H. L., Delnevo, C. D., Compton, W. M., Bansal-Travers, M., Niaura, R. S., Hyland, A., & Ambrose, B. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Addictive behaviors

Volume

167

Page(s)

108340

Abstract

Abstract

~

Corrigendum to “Associations of risk factors of e-cigarette and cigarette use and susceptibility to use among baseline PATH study youth participants (2013–2014)” [Addict. Behav. 91 (2019) 51–60, (S0306460318313364), (10.1016/j.addbeh.2018.11.027)]

Abrams, D., Sawdey, M. D., Day, H. R., Coleman, B., Gardner, L. D., Johnson, S. E., Limpert, J., Hammad, H. T., Goniewicz, M. L., Abrams, D. S., Stanton, C. A., Pearson, J. L., Kaufman, A. R., Kimmel, H. L., Delnevo, C. D., Compton, W. M., Bansal-Travers, M., Niaura, R. S., Hyland, A., & Ambrose, B. K. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

10.1016/j.addbeh.2025.108340

Abstract

Abstract

It has come to our attention that important conflict of interests were not disclosed by the authors in the original publication of the article “Associations of risk factors of e-cigarette and cigarette use and susceptibility to use among baseline PATH study youth participants (2013–2014)” in “Addictive Behaviors”. In the interest of transparency and accuracy, this corrigendum is issued to address and rectify this oversight. Dr. Abrams and Niaura declare that between 2015 and 2020, they frequently communicated with Juul Labs personnel and attended several meetings with JUUL personnel as invited guests, at which they presented information pertaining to their scientific research. They did not receive any honoraria, reimbursements or compensation for attending these meetings, except for hospitality in the form of meals. Between 2015 and 2020 Dr. Abrams and Niaura reported grants from a Westat subcontract and other grants from the NIH (NIDA-NCI-FDA) paid to their employers; receiving salary from the Steven Schroeder Institute for Tobacco Research and Policy Studies at Truth Initiative, and New York University School of Global Public Health. Dr. Niaura was a scientific consultant on a grant which was awarded to Johns Hopkins University, from which they received consulting payments.

The Nicotine Metabolite Ratio and Response to Smoking Cessation Treatment Among People Living with HIV Who Smoke in South Africa

Abrams, D., Keke, C., Lebina, L., Motlhaoleng, K., Niaura, R., Abrams, D., Variava, E., Gupte, N., Golub, J. E., Martinson, N. A., & Elf, J. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2025

Journal title

International journal of environmental research and public health

Volume

22

Issue

7

Abstract

Abstract

The nicotine metabolite ratio (NMR) has been informative in selecting treatment choices for nicotine dependence and increasing treatment efficacy in Western settings; however, the clinical utility of the NMR among smokers in low-resource settings remains unclear. Prospective analysis was conducted using data from a randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation among adults living with HIV, to examine the association between the NMR and response to smoking cessation treatment. NMR was assessed using bio-banked urine samples collected at baseline. Self-reported smoking at 6 months was verified using a urine cotinine test and exhaled breath carbon monoxide (CO). We found no associations between the NMR and smoking abstinence (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.45, 1.49; = 0.53). No evidence of effect modification by treatment conditions was observed on the multiplicative scale (aRR = 1.17; 95% CI: 0.32, 4.30; = 0.81) or additive scale (adjusted relative excess risk due to interaction (aRERI) = 0.10; 95% CI: -1.16, 1.36; = 0.44). Our results suggest that the NMR may not be a viable approach for selecting smoking cessation treatment in this setting, given the minimal variability in our sample and racial/ethnic makeup of this population.

Erratum : Incomplete Conflict of Interest Disclosures (American Journal of Preventive Medicine (2017) 52(2) (e33–e66), (S0749379716305736), (10.1016/j.amepre.2016.10.036))

Abrams, D., Abrams, D. B., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2024

Journal title

American journal of preventive medicine

Volume

67

Issue

6

Page(s)

988

10.1016/j.amepre.2024.07.026

Abstract

Abstract

The Editorial Office has made the following correction: Three articles published between 2017 – 20191-3 included conflict of interest disclosures which were incomplete for David B. Abrams, PhD, and Raymond S. Niaura, PhD. In the interest of transparency and full disclosure, authors have provided the following information to supplement the Acknowledgments sections of the relevant articles1-3: “Between mid-2015 and 2020, Drs. Niaura and Abrams frequently communicated with Juul Labs personnel, for which there was no compensation, and received hospitality in the form of meals at some meetings.”

Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association With Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type From Waves 1 to 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study

Abrams, D., Strong, D. R., Pierce, J. P., White, M., Stone, M. D., Abrams, D. B., Glasser, A. M., Wackowski, O. A., Cummings, K. M., Hyland, A., Taylor, K., Edwards, K. C., Silveira, M. L., Kimmel, H. L., Compton, W. M., Hull, L. C., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

25

Issue

11

Page(s)

1781-1790

10.1093/ntr/ntad107

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: This study examined trajectories of tobacco dependence (TD) in relationship to changes in tobacco product use, and explored the effects of product-specific adding, switching, or discontinued use on dependence over time. Aims and Methods: Data were analyzed from the first three waves from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, a nationally representative, longitudinal study of adults and youth in the United States. Data included 9556 wave 1 (2013–2014) adult current established tobacco users aged 18 or older who completed all three interviews and had established use at ≥2 assessments. Mutually exclusive groups included: users of cigarettes only, e-cigarettes only, cigars only, hookah only, any smokeless only, cigarette + e-cigarette dual users, and other multiple product users. A validated 16-item scale assessed TD across product users. Results: People who used e-cigarettes exclusively at wave 1 had small increases in TD through wave 3. Wave 1 multiple product users’ TD decreased across waves. TD for all other wave 1 user groups remained about the same. For wave 1 cigarette only smokers, switching to another product was associated with lower levels of TD than smokers whose use stayed the same. Movement to no established use of any tobacco product was consistently associated with lower TD for all product users. Conclusions: Except for wave 1 e-cigarette only users (who experienced small increases in TD), TD among U.S. tobacco product users was stable over time, with daily users less likely to vary from baseline. Implications: The level of TD among most U.S. tobacco users was stable over the first three waves of the PATH Study and trends in levels of TD were predominantly unrelated to changes in patterns of continued product use. Stable levels of TD suggest a population at persistent risk of health impacts from tobacco. Wave 1 e-cigarette users experienced small increases in levels of TD over time, perhaps due to increases in quantity or frequency of their e-cigarette use or increasing efficiency of nicotine delivery over time.

Glasser A,..et l ..(Abrams DB)... et al…"Indicators of tobacco dependence among youth: Findings from Wave 1 (2013-2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study"

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nicotine & Tobacco Research

Volume

25

Issue

2

Abstract

Abstract

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Indicators of Tobacco Dependence Among Youth : Findings From Wave 1 (2013-2014) of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study

Abrams, D., Strong, D. R., Glasser, A. M., Leas, E. C., Pierce, J. P., Abrams, D. S., Hrywna, M., Hyland, A., Cummings, K. M., Hatsukami, D. K., Fong, G. T., Elton-Marshall, T., Sharma, E., Edwards, K. C., Stanton, C. A., Sawdey, M. D., Ramôa, C. P., Silveira, M. L., Kimmel, H. L., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nicotine & tobacco research : official journal of the Society for Research on Nicotine and Tobacco

Volume

25

Issue

9

Page(s)

1565-1574

10.1093/ntr/ntad072

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Prior work established a measure of tobacco dependence (TD) among adults that can be used to compare TD across different tobacco products. We extend this approach to develop a common, cross-product metric for TD among youth. METHODS: One thousand one hundred and forty-eight youth aged 12-17 who used a tobacco product in the past 30 days were identified from 13 651 youth respondents in Wave 1 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study. FINDINGS: Analyses confirmed a single primary latent construct underlying responses to TD indicators for all mutually exclusive tobacco product user groups. Differential Item Functioning analyses supported the use of 8 of 10 TD indicators for comparisons across groups. With TD levels anchored at 0.0 (standard deviation [SD] = 1.0) among cigarette only (n = 265) use group, mean TD scores were more than a full SD lower for e-cigarette only (n = 150) use group (mean = -1.09; SD = 0.64). Other single product use group (cigar, hookah, pipe, or smokeless; n = 262) on average had lower TD (mean = -0.60; SD = 0.84), and the group with the use of multiple tobacco products (n = 471) experienced similar levels of TD (mean = 0.14; SD = 0.78) as the cigarette only use group. Concurrent validity was established with product use frequency among all user groups. A subset of five TD items comprised a common metric permitting comparisons between youth and adults. CONCLUSION: The PATH Study Youth Wave 1 Interview provided psychometrically valid measures of TD that enable future regulatory investigations of TD across tobacco products and comparisons between youth and adult tobacco product use group. IMPLICATIONS: A measure of tobacco dependence (TD) has been established previously among adults to compare TD across tobacco products. This study established the validity of a similar, cross-product measure of TD among youth. Findings suggest a single latent TD construct underlying this measure, concurrent validity of the scale with product use frequency across different types of tobacco users, and a subset of common items that can be used to compare TD between youth and adults who use tobacco.

Keke C, Wilson Z, Lebina L, Motlhaoleng K, Abrams DB… et al, & Elf JL. A cross-sectional analysis of the nicotine metabolite ratio and its association with sociodemographic and smoking characteristics among people with HIV who smoke in South Africa.

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health

Volume

20(6),

Issue

5090;

Abstract

Abstract

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Retraction : Changes in Tobacco Dependence and Association with Onset and Progression of Use by Product Type from Wave 1 to Wave 3 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study (Nicotine & Tobacco Research (2022) (ntac167) DOI: 10.1093/ntr/ntac167)

Abrams, D., Strong, D. R., Pierce, J. P., White, M., Stone, M. D., Abrams, D. B., Glasser, A. M., Wackowski, O. A., Cummings, K. M., Hyland, A., Taylor, K., Edwards, K. C., Silveira, M. L., Kimmel, H. L., Lambert, E. Y., Compton, W. M., Hull, L. C., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

25

Issue

3

Page(s)

580

10.1093/ntr/ntac223

Abstract

Abstract

Following article publication, the authors became aware of an error in how the tobacco dependence data for some e-cigarette users was used in the analysis of this article. The authors immediately alerted the journal editor to this unintentional error, which they have determined materially impacts the conclusions and implications of the article. The authors are, therefore, retracting this article.

Williams RM, Cordon M, Eyestone E, Smith L, Luta G, McKee BJ, Regis SM, Abrams DB, Niaura RS, Stanton CA, Parikh V, Taylor KL; on behalf of the Lung Screening, Tobacco, and Health Trial. Improved motivation and readiness to quit shortly after lung cancer screening: Evidence for a teachable moment.
 
 

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2023

Journal title

Cancer

Volume

Volume128,

Issue

Issue10

Page(s)

Pages 1976-1986

Abstract

Abstract

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A Randomized Trial of Telephone-Based Smoking Cessation Treatment in the Lung Cancer Screening Setting

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

Journal of the National Cancer Institute

Volume

114

Issue

10

Page(s)

1410-1419

10.1093/jnci/djac127

Abstract

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Lung cancer mortality is reduced via low-dose computed tomography screening and treatment of early-stage disease. Evidence-based smoking cessation treatment in the lung screening setting can further reduce mortality. We report the results of a cessation trial from the National Cancer Institute's Smoking Cessation at Lung Examination collaboration. METHODS: Eligible patients (n = 818) aged 50-80 years were randomly assigned (May 2017-January 2021) to the intensive vs minimal arms (8 vs 3 phone sessions plus 8 vs 2 weeks of nicotine patches, respectively). Bio-verified (primary) and self-reported 7-day abstinence rates were assessed at 3, 6, and 12 months post random assignment. Logistic regression analyses evaluated the effects of study arm. All statistical tests were 2-sided. RESULTS: Participants reported 48.0 (SD = 17.2) pack-years, and 51.6% were not ready to quit in less than 30 days. Self-reported 3-month quit rates were statistically significantly higher in the intensive vs minimal arm (14.3% vs 7.9%; odds ratio [OR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.26 to 3.18). Bio-verified abstinence was lower but with similar relative differences between arms (9.1% vs 3.9%; OR = 2.70, 95% CI = 1.44 to 5.08). Compared with the minimal arm, the intensive arm was more effective among those with greater nicotine dependence (OR = 3.47, 95% CI = 1.55 to 7.76), normal screening results (OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.32 to 5.03), high engagement in counseling (OR = 3.03, 95% CI = 1.50 to 6.14), and patch use (OR = 2.81, 95% CI = 1.39 to 5.68). Abstinence rates did not differ statistically significantly between arms at 6 months (OR = 1.2, 95% CI = 0.68 to 2.11) or 12 months (OR = 1.4, 95% CI = 0.82 to 2.42). CONCLUSIONS: Delivering intensive telephone counseling and nicotine replacement with lung screening is an effective strategy to increase short-term smoking cessation. Methods to maintain short-term effects are needed. Even with modest quit rates, integrating cessation treatment into lung screening programs may have a large impact on tobacco-related mortality.

Factors associated with changes in flavored tobacco products used : Findings from wave 2 and wave 3 (2014–2016) of the population assessment of tobacco and health (PATH) study

Abrams, D., Bansal-Travers, M., Rivard, C., Silveira, M. L., Kimmel, H., Poonai, K., Bernat, J. K., Jackson, K., Rudy, S., Johnson, A., Cullen, K. A., Goniewicz, M., Travers, M., Hyland, A., Villanti, A., Hrywna, M., Abrams, D. S., Fong, G., Elton-Marshall, T., … Sharma, E. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

Addictive Behaviors

Volume

130

10.1016/j.addbeh.2022.107290

Abstract

Abstract

Introduction: Flavored non-cigarette tobacco product use is widespread in the U.S. The availability of flavor options could be playing a role in recent increases in use, especially for non-cigarette tobacco products, among youth and young adults. Little is known about specific flavor preferences of youth and adult flavored tobacco product users, as well as how preferences may change over time. Methods: This study analyzes PATH Study data from completed Wave 2 (2014–2015) and Wave 3 (2015–2016) youth (12–17 years), and adult (18 + years) interviews to estimate the prevalence of flavored non-cigarette tobacco product use. We assess flavor switching by examining changes between flavors and characteristics of those who changed flavors between waves. Results: Across age groups, and at both waves, fruit-flavored products were the most frequently used flavor by past 30-day electronic nicotine delivery systems (ENDS), cigar, cigarillo, and hookah users. In the past 30 days, a higher proportion of youth and young adults used candy/sweets-flavored ENDS than adults. Among adult ENDS users, the odds of changing flavors were highest among younger users and decreased with increasing age. Conclusions: Flavored tobacco product use is prevalent across non-cigarette tobacco products. Stability in the number of flavors used, as well as specific flavors, is higher among adult tobacco users, while the use of multiple flavors, and change in specific flavor, is more prevalent among youth tobacco users. Additional longitudinal research can further examine the role flavors play in appeal, product trial, and switching.

Improved motivation and readiness to quit shortly after lung cancer screening : Evidence for a teachable moment

Abrams, D. (n.d.).

Publication year

2022

Journal title

Cancer

Volume

128

Issue

10

Page(s)

1976-1986

10.1002/cncr.34133

Abstract

Abstract

Background: For patients at high risk for lung cancer, screening using low-dose computed tomography (lung cancer screening [LCS]) is recommended. The purpose of this study was to examine whether screening may serve as a teachable moment for smoking-related outcomes. Methods: In a smoking-cessation trial, participants (N = 843) completed 2 phone interviews before randomization: before LCS (T0) and after LCS (T1). By using logistic and linear regression, the authors examined teachable moment variables (perceived risk, lung cancer worry) and outcomes (readiness, motivation, and cigarettes per day [CPD]). Results: Participants were a mean ± SD age of 63.7 ± 5.9 years, had 47.8 ± 7.1 pack-years of smoking, 35.2% had a high school diploma or General Educational Development (high school equivalency) degree or less, and 42.3% were undergoing their first scan. Between T0 and T1, 25.7% of participants increased readiness to quit, 9.6% decreased readiness, and 64.7% reported no change (P

Change in amount smoked and readiness to quit among patients undergoing lung cancer screening

Abrams, D., Deros, D. E., Hagerman, C. J., Kramer, J. A., Anderson, E. D., Regis, S., McKee, A. B., McKee, B. J., Stanton, C. A., Niaura, R., Abrams, D. B., Ramsaier, M., Fallon, S., Harper, H., & Taylor, K. L. (n.d.).

Publication year

2021

Journal title

Journal of Thoracic Disease

Volume

13

Issue

8

Page(s)

4947-4955

10.21037/jtd-20-3267

Abstract

Abstract

Background: There is mixed evidence regarding whether undergoing computed tomography lung cancer screening (LCS) can serve as a "teachable moment" that impacts smoking behavior and attitudes. The study aim was to assess whether the standard procedures of undergoing LCS and receiving free and low-cost evidence-based cessation resources impacted short-term smoking-related outcomes. Methods: Participants were smokers (N=87) who were registered to undergo lung screening and were enrolled in a cessation intervention trial. We conducted two phone interviews, both preceding trial randomization: the first interview was conducted prior to lung screening, and the second interview followed lung screening (median =12.5 days post-screening) and participants' receipt of their screening results. The interviews assessed demographic characteristics, interest in evidence-based cessation intervention methods, and tobacco-related characteristics, including cigarettes per day and readiness to quit. Participants received minimal evidence-based cessation resources following the pre-lung screening interview. Results: Participants were 60.3 years old, 56.3% female, and reported a median of 40 pack-years. Participants were interested in using several evidence-based strategies, including counseling from a healthcare provider (76.7%) and receiving nicotine replacement therapy (69.8%). Pre-lung screening, 25.3% smoked =10 cigarettes per day, and 29.9% were ready to quit in the next 30 days. We conducted two McNemar binomial distribution tests to assess change from pre- to post-screening. At the post-lung screening assessment, approximately three-quarters reported no change on these variables. However, 23.3% reported smoking fewer cigarettes per day, whereas 4.7% reported smoking more cigarettes per day (McNemar P=0.002), and 17.2% reported increased readiness to quit, whereas 6.9% reported decreased readiness to quit (McNemar P=0.078). Conclusions: Following receipt of cessation resources and completion of lung screening, most participants reported no change in smoking outcomes. However, there was a significant reduction in cigarettes per day, and there was a trend for increased readiness to quit. This setting may provide a potential "teachable moment" and an opportunity to assist smokers with quitting. However, more proactive and intensive interventions will be necessary to capitalize on these changes and to support abstinence in the long-term.

E-cigarettes and Cessation : Asking Different Questions Requires Different Methods

Abrams, D., Glasser, A., Giovenco, D. P., Levy, D. T., Vojjala, M., Cantrell, J., Abrams, D. S., & Niaura, R. S. (n.d.).

Publication year

2021

Journal title

Nicotine and Tobacco Research

Volume

23

Issue

5

Page(s)

878-879

10.1093/ntr/ntaa249

Abstract

Abstract

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