Treatments for spit tobacco use: a quantitative systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
Spit tobacco use is prevalent in the United States and is associated with adverse health consequences. Health-care providers have neither evidence summaries nor evidence-based guidelines to assist them in treating patients who use spit tobacco.


METHODS
We completed a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and behavioral interventions for the treatment of spit tobacco use.


RESULTS
We found six randomized controlled trials testing pharmacological interventions and eight testing behavioral interventions. Using random-effects meta-analyses,bupropion sustained-release (SR) increased point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 12 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-4.2]. Nicotine replacement therapy with patch or gum increased point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6). Behavioral interventions increased long-term (6 month)point prevalence tobacco abstinence (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9). Studies including an oral examination followed by feedback to the patient had the highest treatment effect.


CONCLUSIONS
Behavioral interventions for ST users are effective for increasing ST abstinence rates. Bupropion SR is probably effective and nicotine replacement therapy may be effective. This evidence from randomized controlled trials provides health-care professionals with information necessary to effectively treat spit tobacco use.
Ebbert
Jon O
JO
Division of Community Internal Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA. ebbert.jon@mayo.edu
Rowland
Leah C
LC
Montori
Victor M
VM
Vickers
Kristin S
KS
Erwin
Patricia J
PJ
Dale
Lowell C
LC
D016642:Bupropion / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002638:Chewing Gum; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D009538:Nicotine / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy*; D014030:Tobacco, Smokeless; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014481:United States
D002638:Chewing Gum; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants; D016642:Bupropion; D009538:Nicotine