Evaluating smoking cessation interventions in those with chronic diseases

2018-01-26 13:43:18

Evaluating smoking cessation interventions in those with chronic diseases
In this study, the authors evaluated the effects of a psychological intervention and psychological plus drug intervention on smoking cessation among male smokers with a single chronic disease (1). 509 male smokers were divided into groups, according to their will. Physicians provided free individual counselling and follow-up interviews with brief counselling for all the subjects. Some patients also received buproprion or varenicline to quit smoking. The outcomes were self-reported. The results showed that at 7 days, abstinence rates were higher in the psychological plus drug group. The 3 month continuous abstinence rate was not statistically different between the groups. The authors conclude that the psychological intervention and psychological plus drugs intervention exerted good effects on smoking cessation in a short time. Nevertheless, the advantages did not appear during long-time (6 months) follow-up.