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Smoking cessation. A comparative, randomised study between management in general practice and the behavioural
O Bakkevig1, S Steine, K von Hafenbrädl
1Institute of General Practice and Community Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.
Scandinavian Journal of Primary Health Care
|February 24, 2001
Summary
The SmokEnders (SE) program significantly increased smoking cessation rates compared to general practitioner (GP) visits. This study highlights the effectiveness of behavioral interventions for smoking cessation.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Trials
Background:
- Smoking cessation interventions aim to reduce tobacco use and related health risks.
- Comparing the efficacy of different support methods is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the effectiveness of two distinct smoking cessation interventions: general practitioner (GP) support versus the SmokEnders (SE) behavioral program.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted in three Norwegian towns.
- 139 smokers were recruited and assigned to either the GP group or the SE group.
- Smoking cessation rates were assessed at 2 weeks, 2 months, and 1 year using self-report and biochemical validation at 1 year.
Main Results:
- At 1 year, the SE group achieved a 30% smoking cessation rate (21/69), significantly higher than the GP group's 7% (5/70).
- Initial cessation rates at 2 weeks were 67% for SE versus 14% for GP.
- Higher dropout rates were observed in the GP group.
Conclusions:
- Both interventions demonstrated effectiveness in smoking cessation.
- The SmokEnders behavioral program proved considerably more effective than standard GP care.
- Behavioral interventions may offer superior outcomes for smoking cessation compared to usual care.