title: Tuberculosis patients learning about second-hand smoke (TBLASS): results of a pilot randomised controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Passive smoking is associated with tuberculosis (TB). Measures are required to protect non-smoking TB patients from second-hand smoke (SHS).
  
  
  METHODS
  We developed a behavioural intervention to encourage TB patients to implement smoking restrictions at home in Pakistan.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the likelihood of such an intervention being successful and to inform a definitive trial in future.
  
  
  METHODS
  This was a pilot randomised controlled trial in which non-smoking TB patients were randomised to receive either individual-based support or individual-based support combined with family reminders. We recruited patients living with at least one smoker in their homes. Our primary outcome was urinary cotinine level as a measure of SHS exposure 2 months post-randomisation.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Of 273 patients assessed for eligibility, 150 (56%) patients were recruited and all but one were retained throughout the trial. A statistically significant absolute reduction was observed in non-smoking participants' exposure to SHS based on urinary cotinine levels in both Arm 1 (71%, 95%CI 61-79) and Arm 2 (76%, 95%CI 67-83) between baseline and follow-up at 2 months.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The recruitment and retention rates for trial participants make it feasible to conduct a definitive trial in future. The observed effect size makes it worthwhile to conduct such a trial.
authors.affiliation: Social and Health Inequalities Network (SHINe), Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Safdar
authors.affiliation: Social and Health Inequalities Network (SHINe), Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zahid
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Shah
authors.affiliation: National TB Programme, Islamabad, Pakistan.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Fatima
authors.affiliation: Leeds City Council, Leeds, UK.
authors.forename: I
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Cameron
authors.affiliation: Department of Health Sciences, University of York, UK.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Siddiqi
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003367:Cotinine / Q000652:urine*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010154:Pakistan / Q000453:epidemiology; D010865:Pilot Projects; D000074606:Smoking Prevention; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000517:prevention & control*; D014376:Tuberculosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution; D003367:Cotinine