Learning Objectives: Describe one way of evaluating a spiritual component of a nicotine dependence program.
Abstract: OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the spiritual component of the Nevada Tobacco Users’ Helpline (NTUH) program on the spiritual beliefs and practices of enrolled participants.
METHODS The NTUH integrates spirituality in their treatment by educating patients on the impact of several spiritual practice alternatives, including prayer, meditation, and time in nature. The patients are encouraged to use one, or a combination of spiritual practices as part of their nicotine dependence treatment. To assess the impact of integrating spirituality in the program, the Spiritual Involvement and Beliefs Scale (SIBS) survey was mailed to 175 tobacco users enrolled in the NTUH program. The SIBS instrument assesses spiritual involvement, activity, and beliefs in one score (ranging from 86-266 points).
RESULTS The SIBS scores of participants who have quit using tobacco will be compared against the SIBS scores of participants who have reduced their tobacco intake, and the SIBS scores of those who have not reduced tobacco usage.
Our preliminary findings on 25 participants indicate a mean of 199 with a range of 86-263 in the SIBS measure, signifying an above average spiritual orientation. Of these participants, 14 have quit using tobacco and seven have reduced consumption.
DISCUSSION The majority of NTUH treatment participants (76%) use spiritual practices to assist with their quitting process from nicotine addiction, while 80% of participants consider themselves spiritual. Preliminary findings illustrate that spirituality may be an area that needs further exploration, as a component of nicotine dependence treatment. Additionally, there is a need to educate clients on how to integrate this dimension into nicotine dependence treatment programs.
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