Effectiveness of mass distribution of nicotine patches to promote tobacco control in rural versus urban settings

Abstract

Smoking rates are higher in rural than in urban settings.1 Further, access to healthcare and tobacco cessation programmes is challenging in rural areas because of lower population density and large geographic distances.2 Thus, tobacco cessation initiatives that overcome these barriers are needed to address the disparity in healthcare provision in rural settings.3 ,4 One such option is the distribution of nicotine patches by postal mail. However, is there evidence to suggest that such programmes might be effective in rural settings? Show more