Clinical Evaluation of a New Smoking Cessation Approach: An Intervention Study

Abstract

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness of a new non pharmacological approach for smoking cessation (COL approach), on a sample of Egyptian smokers. Methods: This study was conducted for 12 weeks on two groups of current smokers willing to quit. An interventional group of 23 current cigarette smokers received a new approach composed of the inter-personal counselling; ready-made meal composed of Avena sativa L seeds in addition to an aromatherapy inhaler device containing an essential oil. A control group of 25 current smokers received interpersonal counselling only, for 12 weeks were compared to the intervention group. Results: The continuous abstinence rate was significantly higher (47.8%) and failure rate was significantly lower (21.8%) among the intervention group at the end of week 12 in comparison to the control group (16.0% and 56.0% respectively; P-value=0.02).The intervention group revealed a significant decline in the mean values of the TCI grade than the control group. In conclusion, the tested approach was effective in increasing the continuous abstinence rate, decreasing the craving numbers, intensity and decreasing the nicotine withdrawal symptoms as compared to the control group. Conclusion: The tested new approach could be embedded as a treatment option within a comprehensive tobacco control strategy. Thus, it is not an alternative but could be complementary for other evidence based strategies Key words: Smoking cessation, Natural, Aromatherapy, and Oat