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Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Pharmacotherapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy, and Behavioral Counseling on
Neha Shukla1, Zainab Akram1, Mahesh Ravindra Khairnar1
1Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India.
Background:
Nicotine lozenges help reduce nicotine gradually. They are a discreet NRT alternative. This study compared nicotine dependence, cotinine levels, quit rates, and physical effects before and after one month of NRT lozenges, laser therapy, and counselling.
Methods:
This randomised controlled trial tested nicotine lozenges, laser therapy, and counselling. This trial included 75 participants (25 per group) over one month. Seventy-five participants were divided into three groups of 25. The "Jus-CheckTM Rapid Nicotine Test" was used. Laser therapy targeted both ears weekly for four weeks, with counselling provided weekly. Primary outcomes included nicotine dependence, cotinine levels (saliva/urine), and quit rates; whereas, secondary outcomes included physical effects before and after intervention.
Findings:
The results showed a significant decrease in nicotine dependence and cotinine (P<0.001) in all groups. However, differences between groups and quit rates were not statistically significant.
Conclusion:
Nicotine lozenges are as effective as laser therapy and counselling for quitting smokeless tobacco. This approach reduces dependence, lowers cotinine, increases quit rates, and improves physical effects.