[Factors associated with success of a smoking cessation program]

Smoking cessation therapies include counseling, psychological management and pharmacological therapy. Varenicline is the most effective and safe medication available.

To study risk factors for the failure of pharmacological smoking cessation therapy with varenicline.

Retrospective analysis of 281 patients aged 45 ± 11 years (65% males) with a mean consumption of 31 ± 22 packs/year. They completed a smoking cessation program comprising psychological support and use of varenicline in a private clinic. Patients were followed with telephonic interviews during one year. A complete abstinence during one year was considered as a success of the program.

The success rate of the program was 53.4%. The factors associated with failure were a high tobacco dependence rate determined with the Fageström test (Odds ratio (OR) 2.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.16-5.26, p = 0.02). An instruction level of more than 12 years was associated with a lower failure rate (OR 0.38 95% CI 0.18-0.82).

A high tobacco dependence rate and a lower education were associated with a higher failure rate of this smoking cessation program.