CompletedInterventional

Assessing the feasibility of using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to enable disadvantaged parents to create a smoke-free home

This study aims to help parents in Lanarkshire, Scotland, create smoke-free homes to protect children from harmful second-hand smoke. Many families, especially those on lower incomes, find it hard to stop smoking indoors. This research, led by the University of Stirling, is testing if providing free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) like patches or gum, along with phone support for 12 weeks, can help reduce smoking at home. Another group will receive standard Scottish Government advice. The study will see if enough people want to join, if they find the program helpful, and how much it might cost. If successful, a larger study could explore if NRT improves children's health and benefits the NHS. It's funded by the Scottish Government and runs until May 2026.

At a glance

Status

Completed

Sponsor

University of Stirling

Enrolment target

100

Start

01 Jan 2024

Estimated completion

01 Sep 2025

Children's exposure to second-hand smoke in the home

What is this study about?

This study is looking for ways to protect children from second-hand smoke in their homes, particularly in areas like Lanarkshire, Scotland. We know that breathing in someone else's smoke can be very bad for a child's health. Most children exposed to second-hand smoke now get it at home. It can be especially tough for families who are struggling financially or single parents to keep their homes smoke-free, perhaps due to not having private outdoor space.

Researchers want to see if offering special help can make a difference. They are testing if giving parents nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) – like patches or gum – along with telephone support, can help reduce smoking inside the home. This NRT is designed to help people manage cravings and reduce smoking, rather than to quit completely. The study will compare this special help with the usual advice the Scottish Government gives about making homes smoke-free. It's a first step to see if this idea is practical and helpful before trying it on a much larger scale.

This is a 'pilot' study, which means it's a smaller test run. The main goals are to find out if enough parents are willing to take part, if they find the support and NRT useful, and how much it would cost. If these results look good, the researchers hope to get funding for a much bigger study. That larger study would aim to work out if this approach really improves children's health over time and if it's something the NHS should offer widely.

Key takeaways

Aims to reduce children's exposure to second-hand smoke at home.
Tests if nicotine replacement (NRT) helps parents reduce home smoking.
Involves free NRT and phone support, or standard advice, for 12 weeks.
Open to parents/carers in Lanarkshire, Scotland, who smoke in the home.
This is a small initial study to see if the idea works before a bigger trial.
Participation is voluntary, and you can withdraw at any time.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and live in Lanarkshire, Scotland. You should be a parent, carer, or relative who smokes inside your home and looks after one or more children aged 5 or older in that home, at least once a week. It's okay if other adult smokers in your household don't want to join; you can still participate.

There are a few reasons why someone might not be able to join. For example, if you don't speak English as your main language, as the study doesn't have staff who can provide support in other languages. Also, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, the NRT products used in this study are not suitable. If you are allergic to nicotine or any ingredients in NRT products, or if you are taking certain medications like Warfarin, Theophylline, or others listed, you would also not be able to take part because NRT might affect these medicines and would need a doctor's close check-up.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Am I at least 18 years old?
Do I live in Lanarkshire, Scotland?
Do I smoke inside my home?
Do I care for a child aged 5 or over in my home at least one day a week?
Am I NOT pregnant or breastfeeding?
Am I NOT taking Warfarin, Theophylline, or similar listed medications?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the study will last for 12 weeks. You'll be placed into one of two groups by chance. One group will receive free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), like patches or gum, delivered to your home, along with telephone support over these 12 weeks. The other group will receive the standard advice currently offered by the Scottish Government on how to make your home smoke-free. The researchers will be checking in with you to see how things are going, whether you find the programme acceptable, and how much it might cost. They'll mostly be collecting information to help them plan a bigger study later on.

Potential risks and benefits

A potential benefit of joining this study is that you might reduce the amount of smoking in your home, which could help protect the children you care for from the harms of second-hand smoke. For those in the NRT group, you'll receive free products and support. As with any medication, NRT can have some side effects, such as skin irritation from patches, or mild upset stomachs, though these are usually mild. The researchers will ask you questions to make sure the NRT is safe for you to use. Remember, taking part in any study is completely your choice, and you are free to withdraw at any time without giving a reason, and it won't affect any of your NHS care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

NHS Lanarkshire
City only
Hamilton, Scotland

Common questions

What is 'second-hand smoke'?

It's the smoke you breathe in from other people's cigarettes, pipes, or cigars. It's harmful even if you're not the one smoking.

What is NRT?

NRT stands for Nicotine Replacement Therapy. These are products like patches, gum, or sprays that give you nicotine to help manage cravings without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes.

Who is running this study?

The University of Stirling is leading the study, and NHS Lanarkshire is helping to find people to take part.

Do I have to quit smoking completely?

No, this study is about seeing if NRT can help reduce smoking *inside the home* to protect children, rather than aiming for you to quit entirely right now.

Will I get paid to take part?

The study information doesn't mention payment for participants. You will receive free NRT if you are in that group.

How to find out more

Rachel O'Donnell

r.c.odonnell@stir.ac.uk +44 7804499922 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.