[Smoking cessation program for health personnel--is it worth while?]

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Occupational Health
• Smoking Cessation Interventions

Background:

• A smoking cessation program was implemented at H:S Bispebjerg Hospital to support the goal of a smoke-free environment.
• The program targeted hospital staff members as part of a broader political initiative.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the long-term effectiveness of the smoking cessation program.
• To identify key factors associated with successful smoking cessation among hospital staff.

Main Methods:

• A 12-month follow-up mailed questionnaire study was conducted.
• 345 staff members who participated in the program between October 1998 and March 1999 were included.
• A 70% participation rate was achieved in the follow-up study.

Main Results:

• The overall 12-month success rate for smoking cessation was 22%, and 33% for those completing the 12-month follow-up.
• Early smoking initiation was associated with a higher risk of relapse.
• No statistically significant differences were found based on gender, education, or previous quit attempts.

Conclusions:

• The hospital's smoking cessation program demonstrated a high success rate (22%-33%) compared to clinical studies.
• The program successfully engaged a significant portion (30%) of hospital smokers.
• Establishing such programs in hospitals is feasible and contributes to creating smoke-free environments.