Abstract
Background: This study was designed with the purpose to address the situation with smoking cessation efforts and its expenditure and to provide basis for future studies and implementing tobacco control programs across countries in the region.
Materials and methods: The study was in form of questioning participating country representatives from the Eastern Mediterranean region in INB3 who were all either focal point individual or expert in tobacco control programs. Information needed included methods for tobacco cessation, cost of services including counseling by primary physician or specialist, gum or nicotine patch, Zyban, champix and other practices were collected.
Results: In 10 countries (47.6%), smoking cessation programs and counseling was directed by primary physicians. Also, 8 countries (38%) provided services through specialists. In 13 countries (61.9%), nicotine gum and in 14 countries (66.7%) nicotine patch is accessible in pharmacies. In 6 countries (28.6%), Zyban (Bupropion 150 mg) and in 7 countries (33.3%), Champix (Varnicline 1 mg) are available at pharmacists with written prescription. The mean costs of each service were higher than a pack of cigarette significantly.
Conclusion: In countries with support services for tobacco cessation, directors need to provide care at society level, less costly and accessible for every body and in countries where such programs have not been initiated, it is recommended that effort to do so occur.
- © 2011 ERS
