Dr Ryan Courtney

Improving cardiovascular health: New and innovative treatments for reducing tobacco smoking

Dr Ryan Courtney, University of New South Wales

2021 Future Leader Fellowship

Years funded: 2022-2026

Smoking is a leading cause of cardiovascular disease. Reducing smoking among low-socioeconomic status (low-SES) groups is a national health priority. Vapourised nicotine product (VNP) use is rapidly increasing. The public health community is polarised on VNPs. Data is urgently needed on how to best support smokers to use VNPs when trying to quit smoking, but also how to support a transition away from VNP use following smoking cessation. The Heart Foundation and other public health organisations are seeking guidance related to policy decisions regarding VNPs.

The objectives of this Fellowship among low-SES smokers are to:

1. Examine VNPs long-term use for those using during a quit attempt;
2. Complete focus group research to guide the development of a text message intervention aimed at increasing cessation among those using VNPs, and to assist with switching away from continued VNP use; and
3. Pilot an innovative text message intervention to assist smokers using VNPs to quit smoking, and dually obtain a smoke-free and vape-free status.