[Smoke-free by ramadan: experience with a low-threshold prevention offer on smoking cessation for persons with...

Persons with migration background exhibit higher smoking rates in comparison to the general population.These smokers often cannot be reached by prevention measures at the family doctor's office.

In summer 2011 the health campaign "Smoke-free by Ramadan" was launched in 11 German cities. Measures included the training of doctors on smoking cessation methods, general bilingual information flyers, and in some cases lectures on smoking, specifically for imams. A number of local events, especially for individuals with Turkish migration background were initiated. For these health events a specially equipped health bus of the BKK-vor-Ort was used, in which visitors were offered following elements: systematic data collection about age, sex and smoking behavior, a test to determine of the severity of nicotine dependence (Fagerström test, FTNA), as well as spirometric lung function test. Smokers were generally motivated to stop smoking. Data were anonymously collected and analysed in a documentation and communication sheet in Turkish language, and test results were handed over to participants on a printed information sheet.

Data of 1012 people collected on 8 health days were analysed (70% men, mean age 46.5 years). The percentage of smokers was 41.5% (men) or 30% (women). Of 294 male smokers, according to FTNA 43.6% had low, 24.8% had moderate, and 31.6% strong nicotine dependence; in the 91 female smokers the corresponding rates were 54.9%, 30.8% and 14.3%. The distribution pattern of the dependency levels was statistically significantly different between genders (p = 0.006). Reduced lung function (FEV, < 80%) occurred in smokers more often than in nonsmokers (30% versus 21%).

These results reinforce the importance of low-threshold prevention measures. By screening, here shown by the example of individuals with Turkish migration background, a significant number of smokers was identified who had in addition to strong nicotine addiction also significantly impaired lung function. As the odds for successful cessation without support are below 5%, evidence-based smoking cessation was advised to all smokers.