Evaluation of patients followed up in a cigarette cessation clinic

The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics and factors determining success in a smoking cessation clinic in smokers who completed a 1-year follow up.

A total of 349 patients were assessed retrospectively.

There were 238 men (mean age: 41+/-13.5 years) and 111 women (mean age: 37+/-11.9 years) (t-test P=0.004). The average age at which they began to smoke, number of years of smoking and the number of cigarettes/day were 17.5+/-5.2 years (median 17), 22.1+/-13.3 years, 23.5+/-12.0, respectively. Cigarette smoking was mostly observed in university graduates (56.8%) and a moderate negative correlation existed between education status and smoking duration (r=-0.27, P=0.000). Patients with a Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire score of >or=6 and those exposed to cigarette smoke in childhood tended to commence and become committed smokers later in life (chi2=4.915, P=0.027). In all, 151 patients (43.26%) were successful in quitting (chi2=36.4, P=0.000). Of these, 87 (24.93%) used medication such as nicotine patches (13.5%), bupropion (7.2%), nicotine patches+bupropion (4.3%) and 64 (18.33%) refused medication, but came for professional support.

Increased education level, behavioural therapy and intensive motivational support, follow-up visits and phone calls all appear to play important roles in smoking cessation. Families also play a major role.