University research empowers Scottish communities to shape smoking cessation services

Findings from the Participatory Action Research (PAR) entitled ‘Cost of Living, Cost of Smoking: Community Intelligence for Public Health’, funded by ASH Scotland and facilitated by Turning Point Scotland, was revealed during Challenge Poverty Week (October 2-8, 2023). The research spotlighted increased financial stress that is exacerbating mental health challenges during the cost-of-living crisis for Banff and Fraserburgh residents who smoke.

Research participants who joined the research study as ‘community partners’ emphasised a need for increased levels of support to be provided to assist individuals in leaving tobacco behind and also strengthening mental health and wellbeing, as they reported a convergence of increased stress from cost-of-living together with higher availability and acceptability of tobacco and related products such as e-cigarettes.