Gold standard program for heavy smokers in a real-life setting
Tim Neumann1, Mette Rasmussen, Berit L Heitmann
1Clinical Health Promotion Centre, Department of Health Sciences, Lund University, Skåne University Hospital, Entrance. 108, Malmö SE 205 02, Sweden. tim.neumann@charite.de
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
|September 12, 2013
Summary
Heavy smokers had slightly lower continuous abstinence rates in the intensive Gold Standard Program (GSP). Improving compliance and individual program formats may enhance smoking cessation success for these individuals.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Research
- Public Health
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- High-intensity smoking cessation programs show promise, but heavy smokers often have lower success rates.
- The Gold Standard Program (GSP) is an intensive 6-week intervention.
- Heavy smoking is defined by nicotine dependency, daily cigarette consumption, or pack-years.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate continuous abstinence rates among heavy smokers in the GSP.
- To identify modifiable factors associated with smoking cessation in heavy smokers.
Main Methods:
- Nationwide clinical study of 36,550 smokers in Denmark undergoing the GSP.
- Heavy smokers defined by Fagerström Nicotine Dependency Test (≥7), ≥20 cigarettes/day, or ≥20 pack-years.
- Analysis of factors associated with continuous abstinence at 6 months.
Main Results:
- Continuous abstinence rate was 33% among responders (78% overall response rate).
- Abstinence was 1-6% lower in heavy smokers compared to the general population.
- Individual GSP format, hospital setting, and high compliance were associated with higher abstinence rates.
Conclusions:
- Heavy smokers experience slightly lower abstinence rates in the GSP.
- Modifiable factors, particularly compliance, offer potential for improving continuous abstinence.
- Targeting compliance may be a promising strategy to enhance smoking cessation outcomes for heavy smokers.
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