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Controlled trial of three different antismoking interventions in general practice
British Medical Journal (Clinical Research Ed.)
|May 19, 1984
Summary
General practitioner advice effectively reduces smoking rates. Demonstrating exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) levels may further improve cessation, especially for lower socioeconomic groups.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- General Practice
- Smoking Cessation
Background:
- Smoking remains a significant public health concern.
- General practices are key points for health interventions.
- Effective smoking cessation strategies are crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different smoking cessation interventions delivered in general practice.
- To assess the impact of verbal/written advice, exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) monitoring, and health visitor support.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial involving 2110 smokers in Oxfordshire general practices.
- Four groups: control, advice only, advice + CO demonstration, advice + health visitor support.
- One-year follow-up via postal questionnaire and urinary cotinine assays for validation.
Main Results:
- Smoking cessation rates at one year: 11% (control), 15% (advice), 17% (CO demo), 13% (health visitor).
- Urinary cotinine assays indicated potential misreporting but no differential bias across groups.
- CO demonstration showed a potentially greater impact, particularly in lower socioeconomic groups.
Conclusions:
- Routine smoking cessation advice from general practitioners is effective.
- Immediate feedback on smoking's harmful effects (e.g., via CO-oximeter) may enhance cessation success.
- Targeted support may be beneficial for specific demographic groups.