Related Experiment Videos
[Middle-term effectiveness of a support program for smokers implemented in primary care].
M Alonso Fernández1, A Franco Vidal, P López Sampedro
1Gerencia de Atención Primaria. Area VIII. Asturias. España. margaraf@princast.es
Atencion Primaria
|November 28, 2002
Summary
The primary care-based support program for smokers (SPS) effectively helped 27% quit smoking, with a mean abstinence of 23 months. Close follow-up is crucial, especially in the first six months, to manage relapses in smoking cessation efforts.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Clinical Medicine
Context:
- Smoking cessation interventions within primary care settings.
- Observational cohort study design for evaluating long-term program effectiveness.
- Assessment of a support program for smokers (SPS) over a defined period (1998-2001).
Purpose:
- To evaluate the middle-term effectiveness and feasibility of a primary care-based support program for smokers (SPS).
- To identify factors influencing successful smoking cessation and relapse rates.
- To inform clinical practice regarding smoking cessation support.
Summary:
- A random sample of 289 patients participated in the SPS, receiving interventions like minimal advice and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT).
- The study found that 27% of participants successfully quit smoking, achieving a mean abstinence of 23 months.
- Higher success rates were observed in older, male, long-term smokers who were highly motivated and did not use NRT. Relapse occurred in 75% of those who failed within six months.
Impact:
- The SPS is an effective and feasible smoking cessation strategy within primary care.
- Findings highlight the importance of close patient follow-up during the initial months post-quitting.
- Understanding relapse as a part of the quitting process is essential for patient support and program refinement.