Research support helps Trae cut down on cigarettes

Trae used to smoke between 40 and 60 cigarettes a day. After joining a Derbyshire research study, they say they now limit themselves to five a day at most, sometimes one.

Trae, who has schizoaffective disorder, took part in GENESIS with support from their family and the Derbyshire Healthcare research team. The study compared higher and lower nicotine strengths in electronic cigarettes for adults with schizophrenia spectrum disorders.

The Health Research Authority’s study summary describes a randomised trial tracking smoking, vaping and mental-health symptoms over 12 months, including follow-up after devices stopped being supplied.

Trae’s account is one participant’s experience, rather than the trial’s overall result. They still smoke, and their reported improvement cannot establish which part of the support made the difference.

For Trae, the change has meant feeling fitter and spending less money. They particularly valued researcher Audrey’s approachable, personalised support: someone alongside them while they worked towards a change that mattered in daily life.

Sources

• Derbyshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust — Trae’s experience
• Health Research Authority — GENESIS trial design