Cessation in the use of tobacco – pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic routines in patients

Abstract

Abstract Introduction: Approximately one‐third of the adult population in industrial countries and 70% in several Asian countries are daily smokers. Tobacco is now regarded as the world's leading cause of death. Approximately two‐thirds of lifelong smokers eventually die because of smoking. Smoking cessation is the most effective action to reduce mortality in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and coronary heart disease. Objective: The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of smoking cessation programmes in patients with smoking‐related disorders. Methods: Medline was searched for studies of interventions for smoking cessation in patients. Results: In patients with cardiovascular diseases and COPD, smoking cessation programmes with behavioural support over several months significantly increase quit rates. The intensity of the programmes seems to be proportional to the effect. A long follow‐up period is probably the most important element in the programmes. Even the most intensive programmes are very cost‐effective in terms of cost per life‐year gained. Effective programmes can be delivered by personnel without special education in smoking cessation using simple intervention principles. Conclusions: In patients with smoking‐related disorders, smoking cessation interventions with several months of follow‐up are effective and easily applicable in clinical practice. Wider implementation of such programmes would be a cost‐effective way of saving lives. Please cite this paper as: Quist‐Paulsen P. Cessation in the use of tobacco – pharmacologic and non‐pharmacologic routines in patients. The Clinical Respiratory Journal 2008; 2: 4–10.

Keywords

Affiliated Institutions

• St Olav's University Hospital

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