HEALTH Tracker data shows nearly 22 per cent of Oberon’s population are smokers, and the University of New South Wales is calling for some of them to be part of a study that aims to break nicotine addiction.
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The 22pc smoking rate in Oberon is significantly higher than the national average of less than 13pc.
The university is calling for smokers to be part of a world-first UNSW study offering free quit support.
The study will compare two smoking cessation aids – a natural plant extract, cytisine, and an aid available from a doctor, varenicline.
Trial leader Dr Ryan Courtney said access to support and treatment costs are often barriers to quitting, but this study provides easy access to free quit aids delivered to participants’ doorstep.
“Our study is unique for smokers, as quit aids will be mailed to participants, with all quit support provided over the phone and participants paid for their study participation,” Dr Courtney said.
“Our study is targeting areas with higher rates of smoking, including the Oberon area.
“Both of these aids work similarly by reducing craving and other withdrawal symptoms caused by quitting smoking, but we want to find out if one aid is better than the other at lifting quit rates.”
Varenicline is available in Australia from GPs and other authorised health professionals.
Cytisine, a natural product that is derived from a plant extract, is not available in Australia, but it has been used in Central and Eastern Europe for more than 50 years to help people quit smoking.
Anyone interested in being part of the study is asked to call 1800 290 612 or email cessate@unsw.edu.au to find out more about being part of the program.
