[Smoking prevention. Courses on smoking prevention conducted at a regional hospital]

We present the results of four smoking cessation courses conducted during the period 1986 to 1988 and including 105 persons. 68 women and 37 men participated in weekly lessons, three prior to and two after a predetermined quit-smoking day. Physicians presented information and smoking cessation techniques, the latter based on cognitive behavioural modification. At one year follow-up 27% of the participants had stopped smoking and 49% had reduced smoking consumption. More intensive follow-up and pharmacological treatment might reduce the relapse rate further.