Multi-factorial analysis of smoking behaviour and cessation process

Tobacco use is a major global health concern, contributing to six of the eight most common causes of death worldwide. In Turkey, the average number of cigarettes smoked per day by individuals over 15 years old surpasses the global average. To mitigate this public health issue, it is crucial to develop strategic education models and state policies. Additionally, closely monitoring patients who seek smoking cessation services can improve outcomes by identifying specific smoking patterns and tailoring treatments accordingly. This study aimed to analyze the smoking behavior, characteristics, and cessation outcomes of patients aged 25-65 years who visited the smoking cessation outpatient clinic.

This cross-sectional prospective study included 307 patients. We collected socio-demographic data, prior smoking cessation experiences, addiction levels, and conducted medical examinations to assess health status and medical history. This information was used to develop personalized treatment and follow-up plans.

The mean age of the patients was 42±11 years, with 74% being married and 55% being male. At the end of a three-month period, the smoking cessation rate was 49% for women and 33% for men. Notably, patients who started smoking at a median age of 19±5 years had higher cessation rates compared to those who started at 17±4 years. The most common reasons cited for starting smoking were environmental, social, and curiosity factors.

Our findings suggest that a personalized approach to smoking cessation, which takes into account factors such as age, gender, and comorbidities, may be more effective in helping patients quit smoking. Future research should focus on long-term outcomes and the impact of specific interventions tailored to individual patient characteristics.