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Gender and Time-Related Differences in a Large Cohort of Heavy Smokers Applying for Treatment to a Tobacco Centre in Italy

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  25 July 2017

Carlotta Defferrari*
Affiliation:
Division of Medical Oncology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
Cristina Barbara
Affiliation:
Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, ASL 3, Genoa, Italy
Matteo Puntoni
Affiliation:
Clinical Trial Unit, Scientific Direction, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
Marilena Petrera
Affiliation:
Division of Medical Oncology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy
Stefano Domenicucci
Affiliation:
Cardiovascular Department, ASL 3, Genoa, Italy
Andrea DeCensi
Affiliation:
Division of Medical Oncology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy Wolfson Institute of Preventive Medicine, Queen Mary University of London
Piero Clavario
Affiliation:
Cardiac Rehabilitation Unit, ASL 3, Genoa, Italy
*
Address for correspondence: Carlotta Defferrari, MD, Division of Medical Oncology, E.O. Ospedali Galliera, Genoa, Italy; via Volta 6. Email: [email protected]

Abstract

Introduction: Attempts to quit smoking have increased in recent years, but the patterns of variations over time are unknown. We aimed at describing time- and sex-related changes in a population of 2,231 subjects who adhered to a smoking-cessation programme lasting 13 years in Italy.

Methods: We measured baseline expired carbon monoxide (expired-CO), Fagerstrom nicotine dependence, Q-MAT test, Zung depression and anxiety scale, Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS).

Results: Study population included 1,278 men and 953 women who smoked a median of 25 (interquartile range, IQR: 20–32) and 20 (IQR: 20–30) cigarettes/day, respectively (p < 0.001). The proportion of female smokers increased from 37.5% in 2001–2003 to 46.9% in 2010–2013 (p = 0.003). There was a significant time-related reduction of median daily cigarette consumption, with a more noticeable decrease in men. Median expired-CO (parts per million (ppm)) increased only in women, from 18 (IQR: 14–23) in 2001–03 to 20 (IQR: 14–28) in 2010–13 (p = 0.001), whereas Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence did not vary. Differences in psychological characteristics in the last 3 years showed that women were more clinically depressed than men (16.6% versus 7.6%, p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Despite a decrease in the number of daily cigarettes with time, expired-CO tends to increase in women, who are also more clinically depressed and anxious than men. A personalised approach to specific subgroups of smokers, with special emphasis on a psychological support for women, seems appropriate.

Type
Original Articles
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s) 2017 

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