A NEW approach to support long-term smokers quit will be trialled across Adelaide this year, building on a decade of research into finding solutions to tobacco addiction.
The program, funded by Cancer Australia, will focus on disadvantaged areas where smoking rates have not fallen as they have in other parts of society.
With the high cost of cigarettes affecting low-income earners more than others, Flinders University researchers have developed an evidence-based solution for people needing extra help.
Using mindfulness and other behavioural interventions to build resilience, peer support groups will work with smokers for up to six months in full randomised, controlled clinical trials across Adelaide.
The results will help inform future programs to break the cycle of smoking.
Flinders University sociologist and project leader Paul Ward said smoking in disadvantaged areas continues to be stubbornly and significantly more prevalent than in better-off areas, despite long-running efforts to reduce the imbalance.
"Our previous research has established a number of strategies that are most feasible in breaking bad habits to help people most at risk to quit. Now we're going to measure the success of these methods in a real-world situation," Professor Ward said.
Addiction to smoking is fuelled and perpetrated by complex and interwoven social, economic, emotional and psychological factors, he said, pointing to higher levels among prisoners, Indigenous Australians and people diagnosed with mental health issues.
The project, titled "Increasing resilience and reducing smoking for lower socio-economic groups", will receive more than $550,000 over three years.
People can sign up when trials are announced and promoted at various locations in coming weeks.
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