Cytisine vs Nicotine Replacement Therapy
Smoking causes many serious health problems, especially for people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home, who often smoke at much higher rates than others. This study wants to find the best way to help this group of people stop smoking. Researchers in Ottawa and Toronto are comparing two treatments: nicotine replacement therapy (like patches or gum), and a plant-based medicine called Cytisine. Both treatments will be given alongside support and advice from people who have similar experiences. The main goal is to see which approach is more effective in helping people quit smoking and improve their health, with the hope that successful methods can be used more widely.
At a glance
What is this study about?
This research study is looking for better ways to help people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless in Ottawa and Toronto stop smoking. We know that smoking causes a lot of serious health problems and sadly, people in these situations often smoke much more than the general population. This means they are more likely to get illnesses like cancer, heart disease, and lung problems (like COPD or asthma) and tend to live shorter lives.
The study will compare two different treatments to help people quit smoking. One is called Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), which you might know as patches, gum, or lozenges that give you nicotine without the harmful chemicals in cigarettes. The other treatment is a plant-based medicine called Cytisine, which has been used successfully in other countries for a long time and is now approved in Canada. Both groups will also receive advice and support from people who have been through similar experiences, which has been shown to be very helpful.
The aim is to find out which of these two approaches works better for this group of people, not just for quitting smoking but also for improving their overall quality of life. The researchers hope that a successful and affordable method can be shared widely to help more people and reduce the health differences caused by smoking.
Key takeaways
- This study compares two ways to help people quit smoking.
- It focuses on people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness in Ottawa and Toronto.
- Treatments include Cytisine (a plant-based medicine) and Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
- You will receive support from peer researchers.
- Your participation will last for six months.
- The goal is to find better ways to improve health for this community.
Who may be eligible?
To join this study, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently live in either Ottawa or Toronto. You should be actively using tobacco products (like cigarettes or vapes) and be interested in trying either Nicotine Replacement Therapy or Cytisine to help you quit.
It's important that you also identify as having a low income, experiencing homelessness, being at risk of becoming homeless, or being from a racialized community. You'll also need to be able to attend follow-up appointments in person over a six-month period.
You cannot join if you've decided not to take part, are currently in or planning to go into addiction treatment that would make you unavailable for follow-ups, or have recently (in the last 30 days) participated in another quit-smoking program or used e-cigarettes (nicotine or non-nicotine) in the past 60 days. Also, if you have a serious illness and are expected to live less than 3 months, you won't be able to participate.
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.
- I am 18 years old or older.
- I live in Ottawa or Toronto.
- I use tobacco products and want to quit.
- I identify as low-income, homeless, or at risk of homelessness, or from a racialized group.
- I can attend in-person follow-up appointments for six months.
What does participation involve?
If you decide to take part in this study, you will be assigned to one of two groups: one will receive Cytisine, and the other will receive Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT), along with counseling from peer support workers. You will have regular in-person meetings with the study team and peer researchers over a period of six months to check on your progress and provide support. These meetings will involve discussions about your health and smoking habits, and you might fill out some questionnaires about your life and wellbeing. The total duration of active participation will be six months, with some follow-ups afterwards.
Potential risks and benefits
Locations (1)
- The Bridge Engagement CentreVerified postcodeOttawa, Canada
Common questions
What is Cytisine?
Cytisine is a natural medicine, from a plant, that helps people quit smoking. It's been used safely in some parts of the world for a long time.
What is Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT)?
NRT includes products like patches, gum, or lozenges that give you a small amount of nicotine to help manage withdrawal symptoms when you stop smoking.
Who are 'peer researchers'?
Peer researchers are people who have their own experience with similar challenges, like homelessness or substance use, and are trained to support you in the study.
Will I have to stop all my other medications?
No, you don't necessarily have to stop other medications. The study team will discuss all your current medications with you to ensure it's safe to participate.
How long will the study last for me?
Your active participation in the study, including meetings and treatments, will last for six months.
How to find out more
Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.
Interested in taking part?
Discussion
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