Abstract
Background: Greece maintains one of the highest levels of smoking (40%). During economic crisis cigarette consumption seems to decrease. Economic problems possibly affect smoking cessation (S-C).
Aim: To assess the impact of the economic crisis on S-C in a Greek S-C clinic.
Methods: Comparison of the number of patients, reasons and strategies used for S-C and their efficacy between 2008 (-beginning of crisis) and 2012 (great impact of crisis on salaries, unemployment). Results: The number of smokers who attended the S-C clinic reduced in 2012 (n=134) compared with 2008 (n=345) (p<0.001). Mean age,mean value of Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence and number of cigarettes did not differ between years (46±11.7years, 10.7±7.4, 31.25±13 respectively). The main reason of S-C was health problems (75.6% all years). Economic issues were a significantly more important reason for quitting in 2012 compared with 2008 (27% vs. 8%, p<0.001). In 2012 89% of smokers were concerned about coverage of S-C medications from their insurance vs. 55% in 2008(p<0.001). In 2012 87% of the smokers knew about electronic cigarette and 9.5% had used it, whereas in 2010 42% knew about it and 0.5% had used it. In 2012 65.8% tried S-C without medication vs. 52.1% in 2008 (p=0.03). In 2011 43.2% of relapses (after 6months) were due to anxiety-economic problems vs. 23% in 2008 (p=0.02) (in 2011 53% of relapse were unemployed). Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale was significantly lower in 2012 (p=0.03) especially in patients who relapsed. Conclusions: Economic problems and stress may affect S-C.
- © 2013 ERS
