[Results of smoking cessation therapy in a specialist unit]

The aim of this study was to assess the results of smoking cessation therapy in a specialist unit by calculating the probability of continued abstinence at 6-month follow-up and analyzing differences according to the characteristics of the individuals.

A prospective longitudinal study was undertaken in smokers who received multicomponent smoking-cessation therapy over a period of 3 months. Continued abstinence was assessed on the basis of self-report by participants and confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide levels. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to assess the probability of continued abstinence. Log-rank tests were used to analyze differences in continued abstinence according to different qualitative variables.

The 1120 patients who participated in the study (56% men and 44% women) had a mean (SD) age of 44.1 (9.5) years. The mean score on the Fagerström test was 6.3 (2.1). Nicotine replacement therapy was provided in 70.8% of patients while 29.2% received bupropion. The probability of continued abstinence at 6 months was 62.2%. Individuals with a high dependence had a lower probability of continued abstinence at 6 months, as did those in whom treatment adherence was poor. No differences were observed in the probability of abstinence according to sex or type of pharmacological treatment.

Individuals with a high nicotine dependence can benefit from intensive smoking-cessation treatment in a specialist unit to achieve continued abstinence.