A rapid review of the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for people with anxiety and/or depression living within the community

Abstract The Welsh Government aims to reduce smoking prevalence from the current rate of 13% to below 5% of the population by 2030. People with mental health conditions have a higher rate of smoking prevalence and are less likely to access smoking cessation services. Evidence shows that smoking cessation in this population decreases symptoms, improves positive mood and quality of life. This rapid review aimed to identify and synthesise the evidence for the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions in people with anxiety and/or depression living in the community. Results The literature searches were conducted in March 2024, the included study reports were published between 2008 and 2023, nine were published since 2019. Eleven primary studies from 15 reports were included in the rapid review: 10 RCTs, two of which were pilot RCTs, and one quasi-experimental pilot study. Studies were conducted in the USA (n=6), Spain (n=1), France (n=1), Netherlands (n=1), and two studies were conducted across the EU and USA. Research Implications and Evidence Gaps No UK studies were identified therefore it is unclear whether findings are generalisable to the UK. No studies applying interventions at critical touchpoints within smoking cessation or mental health services were identified. Only one study assessed the cost-effectiveness of a smoking cessation intervention. Only one study assessed a smoking cessation intervention in participants with anxiety. Most studies included in this review were judged to be of low quality. Most studies recruited participants from the general population, therefore it is unclear whether participants were engaged with mental health services. Further high-quality UK-based research is needed to better understand the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions for people with anxiety and depression.