Impact of behavioural intervention to the predictors of quit success among smokers attending quit smoking services in Malaysia: 1- month, 3-months and 6-months follow-up

Abstract

Background: Worldwide, success rates for quitting smoking have been stagnant for decades despite advancement in pharmacotherapy. This study aims to test the effectiveness of a current smoking cessation treatment programme which implemented the modified UK Standard Treatment Plan based on the NHS Centre for Smoking Cessation and Training (NCSCT). Methods: We conducted a double‐arm, cluster‐randomised controlled trial with 1‐month, 3‐months and 6‐months follow‐ups among newly registered smokers seeking quit smoking services from 19 public hospitals in Malaysia. Smokers were assigned to either NCSCT behaviour modification (treatment group; n = 330) or usual care (control group; n = 172). The intervention was administered by dedicated health staff trained in the NCSCT. Data was collected through self‐administered questionnaires, with validation conducted using expired air carbon monoxide measurement. Intention‐to‐treat analysis was adopted, with smokers who did not return for follow‐ups considered smoking. Multiple logistic regression was conducted using a backward elimination model to assess the repeated measures treatment effect of quitting for each point of follow‐up. Results: No significant difference was discernible between the intervention and control group other than: first cigarette of the day (p=0.05), urge to smoke (p=0.020), method of quitting (p=0.018) and COppm level (p=0.0234) at baseline. Compared to the control group, individuals from the intervention group were more likely to quit successfully at 1‐month, 3‐months and 6‐months followup (OR=1.698, OR=3.395, and OR=3.506 respectively). Older individuals were also more likely to abstain at 1‐month, 3‐months and 6‐months follow‐up (OR= 1.015, OR=1.022 and OR=1.032 respectively). Individuals who smoked at home were less likely to abstain at 1‐month, 3‐months and 6‐months follow‐up (OR= 0.637, OR=0.592 and OR=0.385 respectively). Conclusions: The modified Standard Treatment Programme appears superior to routine care practice in maintaining follow up sessions among smokers due to its structured and organized sessions.