A
Sheffield university is looking for smokers trying to give up the habit
to take part in a study. Researchers at Sheffield Hallam University
need more than 250 recruits to help them look at the benefits and risks
of using e-cigarettes to stop smoking. Successful applicants will have
their progress monitored for six months. The research team will measure
the participants’ cholesterol levels, their nicotine dependence as well
as the amount of carbon monoxide in their breath and they will also
assess the functioning of the small arteries and veins. To take part in
the study, participants must be willing to give up smoking and be
prepared to follow their assigned programme. They will be asked to
attend four assessment sessions at the University's Collegiate campus
during the six-month period. Smokers that are pregnant, are expecting to
have surgery or have insulin-controlled diabetes, will not be
considered for the study. E-cigarette participants will be provided with
free supplies for three months, an e-cigarette starting kit and regular
behavioural change support by the research team. Participants using the
stop smoking services will receive the cost of a three-month NHS
prescription certificate, irrespective of whether they currently pay for
their prescriptions.
Dr Markos Klonizakis, who is leading the study, said: "Everyone is aware that smoking is bad for your health and is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. "Cigarette smoke contains about 9,000 different chemicals and that's why smokers should be encouraged to stop, not just for their own benefit but for the benefit of their families and the public purse. "Around 2.8 million people in the UK are using e-cigarettes as way of stopping smoking or as an alternative to traditional smoking but our knowledge of their effects on the small veins and arteries of regular smokers is largely unknown. "Our study will aim to bridge this knowledge gap, by providing unbiased, well-supported evidence."
The research is funded by Heart Research UK. To take part call Gareth Jones on 0114 225 4312 or e-mail HeartResearch@shu.ac.uk.
Dr Markos Klonizakis, who is leading the study, said: "Everyone is aware that smoking is bad for your health and is one of the main causes of cardiovascular disease. "Cigarette smoke contains about 9,000 different chemicals and that's why smokers should be encouraged to stop, not just for their own benefit but for the benefit of their families and the public purse. "Around 2.8 million people in the UK are using e-cigarettes as way of stopping smoking or as an alternative to traditional smoking but our knowledge of their effects on the small veins and arteries of regular smokers is largely unknown. "Our study will aim to bridge this knowledge gap, by providing unbiased, well-supported evidence."
The research is funded by Heart Research UK. To take part call Gareth Jones on 0114 225 4312 or e-mail HeartResearch@shu.ac.uk.
Resource :http://www.thestar.co.uk/news/health/sheffield-smokers-needed-to-take-part-in-university-s-e-cigarette-study-1-8568325
No comments:
Post a Comment