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Introduction: Socioeconomically deprived populations are at greater risk for smoking‐induced diseases and death, such as cancers, and cardiovascular and respiratory illnesses. The initiation of a nurse‐led smoking cessation program in clinical practice is an effective method to enhance smoking cessation among cardiovascular and respiratory patients in Pakistan. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of nurse‐led smoking reduction intervention performed at out‐patient clinics in Karachi, Pakistan. Methods: A single group pre‐and post‐test study was conducted on eligible patients (n = 83) with a typical profile of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases in a tertiary care hospital from December 2020 to July 2021. Intervention: The multi‐modal nurse‐led intervention consisted of two face‐to‐face motivational counseling (30‐min) and free nicotine replacement therapy with telephonic counseling and follow‐ups offered to all eligible patients for 2 months. Results: The nurse‐led intervention resulted in a significant decrease in daily cigarette consumption in most of the patients (75.9%) by 50% and 16.9% of the patients reported smoking abstinence (quitter) at 1‐week follow‐up (p <.001), verified by a CO breath test. Conclusion: A nurse‐managed smoking reduction intervention for even a short duration (2 months) in clinics is an effective approach in enhancing smoking abstinence and reduction among cardiovascular and respiratory patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective(s): To investigate differences in public stigma, self‐stigma, attitudes (value and discomfort), and intentions to seek help between online and face‐to‐face counseling. To identify a difference in the relationship between these variables and both counseling modalities. Method: An online survey completed by 538 college students from one university in the Southeastern United States. The sample included 412 females and 126 males with a mean age of 20.21 years (standard deviation [SD] = 1.26). Results: Significantly higher levels of self‐stigma and discomfort toward online counseling were reported. Significantly higher value and intentions were reported toward face‐to‐face counseling. Self‐stigma was positively related to public stigma, value was negatively related to self‐stigma, and intentions toward seeking help was positively related to value. Conclusions: Results suggest face‐to‐face counseling is seen as a more favorable method of service delivery compared to online counseling. Value toward online counseling is an important predictor for seeking this type of help. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]