Evidence map›Paper›PMID 41668131›Full record

ArticleBMC rheumatology2026

Preferences, experiences and needs regarding tobacco cessation expressed among patients with rheumatoid arthritis: a qualitative study.

Maria A Lopez-Olivo, Sheneze Madramootoo, Johncy J Kachira, Kaleb Michaud, Rebecca Schumacher, Paul Cinciripini, Maria E Suarez-Almazor

Abstract read
In one paragraph

Article in BMC rheumatology, 2026. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Not yet cited in PubMed.

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0citing papers in PubMed
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1 · What the graph read from it

What it found

Each row is one number read from the abstract, on the scale the paper reported it, with its interval. Left of the dashed line favours the treatment, right favours the comparator. Under each row is the sentence it came from. New to these charts? A ten-minute tutorial.

The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.

2 · The registry

The trial behind it

Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.

Neither the registry nor the abstract names a trial number. If this is a trial report, that itself is worth knowing.

3 · Its place in the literature

Who cites it

0 citing papers in PubMed.

No citing paper in PubMed yet.

4 · The record

Corrections and comments

PubMed lists nothing against this paper. Absence here is not a guarantee, only a check that was made.

5 · Who and what money

Authors and funding

7 authors.

Maria A Lopez-OlivoDepartment of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1303, Houston, TX, 77030, USA. amlopezo@mdanderson.org.
Sheneze MadramootooDepartment of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1303, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Johncy J KachiraDepartment of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1303, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
Kaleb MichaudDepartment of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, USA.
Rebecca SchumacherFORWARD, The National Databank for Rheumatic Diseases, Wichita, KS, USA.
Paul CinciripiniDepartment of Behavioral Science, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA.
Maria E Suarez-AlmazorDepartment of Health Services Research, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1155 Pressler St., Unit 1303, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.

Funding

No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.

6 · The paper itself

Abstract

backgroundSmoking presents significant challenges for individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) yet understanding of their smoking habits and perceptions remains limited. This study explores preferences regarding tobacco cessation strategies, barriers to success in cessation, and perceived needs in this population.

methodsWe conducted qualitative semi-structured interviews with 16 people with RA (9 past and 7 current tobacco users). Data were analyzed to identify common themes and patterns related to smoking behaviors and perceptions.

resultsMost participants did not alter their smoking habits after developing RA, and common triggers for smoking included alcohol consumption, coffee, stress, and RA symptoms. Few used non-combustible tobacco products, but many attempted nicotine replacement methods. Participants generally perceived smoking as having no role in RA development, although they recognized its negative health impacts, including respiratory and cardiovascular issues. Despite advice from healthcare providers, many participants were not ready to quit smoking, citing addiction, past failures, and challenges in replacing smoking with other activities as major barriers. Motivations and facilitators for quitting included family needs and support, health concerns, and financial savings. Successful quitters identified the need for strong personal commitment, use of medical aids, behavioral changes, and social support. Effective cessation programs should include education about health impacts and medication use, interactive discussions, support groups, and flexible formats, participants said.

conclusionsSmoking behaviors in individuals with RA are influenced by multiple factors, including stress, RA symptoms, and addiction. Effective cessation programs should address these specific challenges by incorporating personalized education, behavioral support, and flexible formats. Understanding these dynamics can improve targeted interventions to support RA patients in quitting smoking and managing their health more effectively.

Indexed as

ExperiencesNeedsPreferencesQualitative researchRheumatoid arthritisSmoking cessation

Identifiers

PMID41668131
PMCPMC12990605

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Read under generation 80e0d062 · epoch 390. Bibliography from PubMed, PubMed Central and OpenAlex; grants from NIH RePORTER; trial links from ClinicalTrials.gov; estimates, votes and beliefs from the OpenQuestion graph.