Abstract
We implemented a voluntary, intensified, structured smoking cessation programm with combined medical therapy for health care and health industry employees at workplace.
703 smoking employees from three sites absolved a 2 year programm. This consisted of 10 visits with intensified counselling and motivational support. Various modalities of both nicotine replacement therapy and/or bupropion could be prescribed. Primary endpoint was nicotine abstinence at 12 and 24 months, which was defined as self reported abstinence confirmed by exhaled CO< 6ppm. Predictive factors of nicotine abstinence were analyzed by multivariate regression analysis.
Smoking abstinence rates reached 38% after 12 months and remained unchanged after 24 months. Predictors of a successful quit attempt were higher education level (1.86 95% CI 1.12-3.07; p=0.016) and breathlessness at baseline (OR 2.53 95% CI 1.18-5.42; p=0.017). More severe nicotine dependency (OR 0.76 95% CI 0.59; 0.97; p=0.003), higher craving scores (OR 0.75 0.64-0.89; p=0.001) sputum at baseline (OR 0.54 95% CI 0.33-0.89; p=0.015) and antidepressive medication (OR 0.48 95% CI 0.28-0.82; p=0.069) were negative predictors for successful quitting.
Our real life smoking cessation intervention achieved high and stable longterm abstinence rates. Predictive factors for smoking cessation could be helpful to increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes.
- © 2011 ERS