Study of some methods of smoking cessation

Abstract

Background: Addiction of tobacco is both mental and physical. For many smokers, the best way to quit is a combination of medical, behavioral, and emotional support. The aim of the work was to study the effectiveness of aversion therapy using onion-powdered cigarette as a method of quitting compared with nicotine replacement therapy and conventional behavioral (5As) therapy in smoking cessation. Patients and methods: A prospective, randomized study recruited 60 smokers from Ain Shams University Hospitals who were divided into three groups. Group I: included 20 participants subjected to a brief verbal (5As) therapy for smoking cessation; group II: included 20 participants subjected to a brief verbal (5As) with adding nicotine gum; group III: included 20 participants subjected to brief verbal (5As) with adding aversion therapy in the form of single onion-powdered cigarette by mixing tobacco with dried onion powder by an equal amount. Weekly interviews were conducted for follow-up, for at least 6 months from the beginning of treatment. Results: All participants were male smokers within the age range of 21–70 years. There were significant statistical differences (P≤0.05) between the three studied groups as regards the outcome: the complete success rate of quitting was significantly higher among group 1 (30%) versus 15% in group II and 15% in group III. On other hand, the partial success was recorded in 45, 55, and 20% of group I, II, and III, respectively. Lastly failed attempts were recorded in 25, 30, and 65% of group I, II, and III, respectively. There were significance statistical correlations (P<0.05) found between the outcome and the age, pack/year, duration of smoking, craving time, presence of relapsing causes, and nicotine dependence score. However, there was no statically significant correlation (P>0.05) found between the outcome and age of initiation, occupation, presence of comorbidities, marital status, and previous quitting attempts. Conclusion: Behavioral therapy (5As) is most effective in smoking cessation program. Nicotine replacement therapy and aversion therapy may be an adjuvant in the smoking cessation program. Aversion therapy is a simple procedure, economic, practical, easy to apply, and may be effective in smoking cessation.