What are the predictors of success in smoking cessation program?

Abstract

Smoking is the most important avoidable cause of morbidity and premature mortality in the European Union and other countries. Identification of individual characteristics that predict success in smoking cessation is highly desirable. Psychological determinants of smoking cessation, especially depression and anxiety disorders are associated with a higher prevalence of smoking, a higher rate of nicotine dependence, and elevated withdrawal symptoms. In this study, we aimed to identify the determinants that effect the smoking cessation program success. We scanned 232 patient files, who attended between February 2016–June 2016 in Smoking Cessation Program in a State Hospital. The patients who have applied at least two times to unit were included to study. Phone calls were done 6 months after first admission to check the status of smoking. Then we compared sociodemographic characteristics, nicotine dependence levels and psychological symptoms of patients. Sociodemographic Data Form, Fagerstrom Nicotine Dependence Scale and Symptom Check List-90 were done with every patient. It is important to determine the predictors to quit smoking for smoking cessation program. In many studies, the level of nicotine dependence has been identified as the main predictor of successful smoking cessation. It is known that the psychiatric co-morbidity is related with low success in this program. Determining psychiatric co-morbidity and treating this will be effective for success of smoking cessation.

Disclosure of interest

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.