The PROMPT Pilot Study

Tobacco Use Disorder, Tobacco Dependence, Tobacco Use Cessation

The PROMPT Pilot Study is a feasibility mixed methods prospective cohort study following principles of community-based participatory action research. The study recruited 80 people who use drugs and followed them for 6 months while providing access to counselling, nicotine replacement therapy and peer-support in a community setting. A notable reduction in average cigarette use per day (20.5 to 9.3) and illicit substance use (18.8%) was observed at study-end. PROMPT's patient engagement model is an effective harm-reduction strategy for the growing opioid use crisis and can improve the health outcomes of marginalised at-risk populations worldwide.

Objective To determine the feasibility of a Community-Based Participatory Tobacco Dependence Strategy (PROMPT) in the inner city population of Ottawa (Canada). Design A feasibility mixed methods prospective cohort study following principles of community-based participatory action research. Intervention Recruited 80 people who use drugs, followed them for 6 months while providing access to counseling, nicotine replacement therapy and peer-support in a community setting. Setting Community research office in downtown Ottawa, adjacent to low-income housing, shelter services and street-based drug consumption. Primary outcome Retention rate at 6-month follow-up. Secondary outcome Biochemically validated 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 26 weeks, self-reported abstinence in the past 7 days with exhaled carbon monoxide ≤10 ppm.