CEASE-CF: Feasibility & Effectiveness of Smoking Cessation for Cystic Fibrosis Caregivers

A new intervention program, “CEASE-CF,” designed to reduce secondhand smoke exposure for children with cystic fibrosis (CF) shows promising results in feasibility, acceptability, and initial effectiveness, according to a study conducted by researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Heersink School of Medicine.

Addressing Secondhand Smoke Exposure in Cystic Fibrosis

Approximately one-third of children with CF are affected by secondhand smoke exposure, yet strategies to help caregivers quit smoking have not been widely tested. The study, published in the Journal of Cystic Fibrosis on January 31, 2026, details the development and testing of CEASE-CF, a randomized controlled smoking cessation intervention specifically tailored for caregivers of children with CF.

How CEASE-CF Works

The CEASE-CF program was implemented by tobacco treatment specialists (TTS) within existing CF care teams. Caregivers in the intervention group received education about the risks of smoke exposure for CF patients, assessment, and treatment – including nicotine replacement therapy and 12 counseling sessions over six months. The control group received education alone. The primary goals were to measure participation and acceptance among caregivers and healthcare providers, while secondary goals focused on quit rates and nicotine levels in the children’s hair.

Did You Know? All hair samples collected at the beginning of the study showed nicotine levels exceeding the 1.0 ng/mg exposure threshold.

Study Results and Impact

Researchers recruited 36 caregivers (24 in the intervention group and 12 in the control group), achieving a 64% recruitment rate and 100% retention rate. Acceptance of the program was high, with 86% of caregivers reporting satisfaction and willingness to recommend it, and 67% finding it helpful. Healthcare providers gave an average satisfaction score of 4.7 out of 5.

After six months, 17% of participants had successfully quit smoking, and 78% showed at least a 17% reduction in nicotine levels in their hair, with an average reduction of 54%. At the six-month mark, 41% of hair samples still exceeded the 1.0 ng/mg nicotine exposure threshold, a decrease from baseline levels.

Expert Insight: The high participation and satisfaction rates suggest that integrating smoking cessation support directly into CF care teams can be an effective approach to addressing a significant health risk for young patients.

Future Implications

The study suggests that incorporating a smoking cessation intervention, led by tobacco treatment specialists within CF care teams, could be a valuable addition to standard clinical care. Further research with larger sample sizes may be needed to confirm these findings and explore the long-term effects of reducing smoke exposure on the health of children with CF. It is possible that wider implementation of programs like CEASE-CF could lead to improved respiratory health outcomes for this vulnerable population.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the CEASE-CF program?

CEASE-CF is a randomized controlled smoking cessation intervention designed specifically for caregivers of children with cystic fibrosis, implemented by tobacco treatment specialists within CF care teams.

What were the key results of the study?

The study found high participation and acceptance rates, with 17% of participants successfully quitting smoking and 78% showing reduced nicotine levels in their hair after six months.

Who funded this research?

This research was funded by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation (OATES20AO-I, HARRIS23G0).

Given the demonstrated impact of secondhand smoke on CF-related gene function, how might increased awareness and support for smoking cessation programs benefit families affected by this condition?