Extending smoking abstinence after release from smoke-free prisons: protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Addiction Medicine
• Correctional Healthcare

Background:

• Queensland prisons implemented a smoking ban in May 2014 to improve health.
• Smoking relapse after prison release is common, highlighting a need for effective interventions.
• Previous research on post-release smoking cessation interventions from smoke-free prisons is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate a randomized controlled trial (RCT) for smoking abstinence in men post-release from Queensland prisons.
• To assess the effectiveness of a brief intervention combining motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled trial involving male prisoners in Queensland, Australia.
• Intervention group: four group sessions of motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy, starting 4 weeks before release.
• Comparison group: pamphlet and brief verbal intervention at baseline. Primary outcome measured at 1 month post-release.

Main Results:

• Primary outcome: self-reported smoking status at 1 month post-release, assessed by parole officers.
• Secondary outcomes and detailed results will be reported upon study completion.

Conclusions:

• High prevalence of smoking and associated harms exist among incarcerated individuals.
• Effective, long-term smoking cessation interventions are crucial for this vulnerable population.
• Addressing health disparities requires targeted support for smoking cessation post-incarceration.