E-poster Presentation 2014 World Cancer Congress

Jordan Tobacco Dependence Treatment (TDT) Guidelines: Rationale and Development. (#547)

Hiba Ayub 1 , Nour Obeidat 1 , Martin Raw 2 , Scott Leischow 3 , Tom Glynn 4 , Feras Hawari 1 5
  1. Cancer Control Office, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan
  2. UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK
  3. Department of Research, Mayo Clinic, Arizona, USA
  4. International Cancer Control, American Cancer Society, Washington, DC, USA
  5. Section of Pulmonary and Critical Care, Department of Medicine, King Hussein Cancer Center, Amman, Jordan

Background and Context:

Available statistics in Jordan indicate that tobacco consumption is increasing among adults and youth (32% and 26% respectively). Two thirds of smokers have made at least one quit attempt. However, data indicates that cessation support for smokers continues to be low with few healthcare providers discussing tobacco use with their patients, and infrequent referrals to TDT clinics. More efforts are needed to promote TDT, such as developing national treatment guidelines.  

Aim:

Jordan TDT Guidelines were developed to provide guidance for health professionals and educators on how to identify smokers and offer them an evidence-based cessation support.

Strategy/Tactics:

A Jordanian TDT Guidelines Group composed of national and international experts was first formed; a National situation analysis for TDT practices was conducted (information on availability of clinics, medications, trained staff was reviewed); following this local review, and after a full and detailed review of current international evidence on TDT,  guidelines were drafted; review by national, regional and international experts was done; finally, guidelines were formally endorsed by the Ministry of Health before launching in a national TDT workshop.

Programme/Policy Process:

Jordan TDT guidelines are unique in that they provide guidance on support for waterpipe users, in addition to the traditional guidance on the use of brief advice (AAR, 5A’s), face-to-face support, and pharmacotherapy use. Other topics addressed include support for adolescent tobacco use, a concerning public health issue in Jordan. A concise description is given for each topic, and main points per topic are emphasized. Practical flowcharts also are available.

Outcomes/What was learned:

Our guidelines are the first comprehensive guidelines in Arabic. They are unique in providing guidance regarding waterpipe use, since this form of tobacco is spreading increasingly in the region. They are drafted by international collaboration, and moreover endorsed by local health authorities.