Abstract:Background: Using innovative and scientific methods increases the rate of quitting in smokers. Short message service (SMS) is a communication tool widely used and well integrated in many people's daily lives. To increase adherence to appointments in smoking cessation clinics (SCC), it is thought that increased compliance could be achieved by falling outside the traditional methods. SMS has been shown to increase the compliance of patients with SCC appointments. Aims: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the eff… Show more
“…This theory is backed up by other research—in evaluations after one of the free distribution periods (which can last up to 1.5 years), it was found that some of the patients had not even started to use the medication prescribed. In another recent national study, Önur et al 21 found the quit rate during a paid medication period to be 25% at the 6th month; and that each member of the quitter group had followed up with control visits at least once. It is worth mentioning that the mean participant ages were different between these studies: 35 years for the Benli et al study and 45 years for the Önür et al This variable may be one of the factors for the difference in quit rates; as previous research has shown that older patients are more likely to have symptoms from long-term smoking and are thus more motivated to quit 22 .…”
INTRODUCTIONIn the last decade, outpatient smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in Turkey have been extended countrywide. Initially, only counseling was covered under health insurance. In 2011 and 2015, free varenicline and bupropion preparations were distributed to SCCs, periodically. In the current study we aimed to compare outcomes between the free and paid medication periods.METHODSPatients applied to the local SCC in a secondary health care unit between June 2014 and June 2017. They were evaluated for SC interventions and had phone visits after their third month; these records were included in the study. Patients were grouped and evaluated according to medication’s reimbursement status: free medication period (FP) and paid medication period (PMP).RESULTSIn total, 733 patients applied to the SCC, 77.7% of them had applied during the FP. Analyses were made involving 417 patients who had records of third-month phone visit. Mean age of the patients was 44.0±13.7 years with the majority of patients (65%) being male. Sociodemographic characteristics of patients in both groups were not statistically different, while the percentage of patients with comorbid diseases was lower in the FP group (p<0.05). Treatment choices were different— the bupropion-prescribed group’s rate was similar in both periods (53.5% in PMP vs 52.0% in FP), however varenicline was mostly prescribed in the FP (35.8% vs 14.1%) while nicotine replacement therapy was mostly prescribed in the PMP (32.4% vs 12.1%) (p<0.05). Patients who used the advised treatment for at least 30 days (treatment adherent) and the rate of quitters at the third month were higher in FP (p<0.05) from univariate analysis, however these differences were not statistically significant when a multivariate analysis was performed.CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that the free medication period increased the quit attempts but the increased in treatment adherence and quit success of the participating smokers was not obvious.
“…This theory is backed up by other research—in evaluations after one of the free distribution periods (which can last up to 1.5 years), it was found that some of the patients had not even started to use the medication prescribed. In another recent national study, Önur et al 21 found the quit rate during a paid medication period to be 25% at the 6th month; and that each member of the quitter group had followed up with control visits at least once. It is worth mentioning that the mean participant ages were different between these studies: 35 years for the Benli et al study and 45 years for the Önür et al This variable may be one of the factors for the difference in quit rates; as previous research has shown that older patients are more likely to have symptoms from long-term smoking and are thus more motivated to quit 22 .…”
INTRODUCTIONIn the last decade, outpatient smoking cessation clinics (SCCs) in Turkey have been extended countrywide. Initially, only counseling was covered under health insurance. In 2011 and 2015, free varenicline and bupropion preparations were distributed to SCCs, periodically. In the current study we aimed to compare outcomes between the free and paid medication periods.METHODSPatients applied to the local SCC in a secondary health care unit between June 2014 and June 2017. They were evaluated for SC interventions and had phone visits after their third month; these records were included in the study. Patients were grouped and evaluated according to medication’s reimbursement status: free medication period (FP) and paid medication period (PMP).RESULTSIn total, 733 patients applied to the SCC, 77.7% of them had applied during the FP. Analyses were made involving 417 patients who had records of third-month phone visit. Mean age of the patients was 44.0±13.7 years with the majority of patients (65%) being male. Sociodemographic characteristics of patients in both groups were not statistically different, while the percentage of patients with comorbid diseases was lower in the FP group (p<0.05). Treatment choices were different— the bupropion-prescribed group’s rate was similar in both periods (53.5% in PMP vs 52.0% in FP), however varenicline was mostly prescribed in the FP (35.8% vs 14.1%) while nicotine replacement therapy was mostly prescribed in the PMP (32.4% vs 12.1%) (p<0.05). Patients who used the advised treatment for at least 30 days (treatment adherent) and the rate of quitters at the third month were higher in FP (p<0.05) from univariate analysis, however these differences were not statistically significant when a multivariate analysis was performed.CONCLUSIONSOur study showed that the free medication period increased the quit attempts but the increased in treatment adherence and quit success of the participating smokers was not obvious.
“…In our study, we evaluated patients at their third month and found the quit rate to be 37.9%. In other national studies, the quit rate in the short-term was found to be 25% on average 20,22 . However, in international studies that rate was found to be higher 23,24 or similar 25 .…”
INTRODUCTION
Previous studies have shown that adherence to treatment is fundamental to success in smoking cessation. However, smoking cessation medication regimens are limited significantly by the struggle to adhere to them. This study was conducted to evaluate the factors associated with treatment adherence and quitting success in a group of patients that applied to our smoking cessation outpatient clinic (SCC).
METHODS
Patients that applied to SCC between April 2015 and December 2016 who were evaluated, found suitable for smoking cessation interventions and started pharmacological treatment were included in this study. Only those who could be reached by phone three months after their first application became participants. Those who had used the prescribed treatment for at least 30 days were grouped as treatment-adherent.
RESULTS
In total, data for 346 patients were evaluated. Mean (±SD) age was 44.3±13.9 years; most of them were male (63%), primary school graduated (36.1%), self-employed (43.7%), and had no comorbid diseases (71%). Bupropion was started in 52% of the patients, that rate was 35.8% for varenicline and 12.1% for a combination of the nicotine patch and gum. Mean days for treatment use was 20.9±18.5; 59% of the patients were non-adherent to their treatment and 51.7% had only one control visit number. Adverse reactions due to treatment were recorded in 25% of participants, and at their third month 37.9% of them had quit smoking. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, increase in control visit number, absence of adverse reaction, and varenicline use, were each associated with higher treatment adherence (p<0.001) and only being in the treatment-adherent group was associated with quit success (OR=3.01, 95% CI: 1.88–4.81, p=0.001).
CONCLUSIONS
This study showed that most patients did not use their prescribed SC treatments adequately; a main factor that affects quit success is treatment adherence. There is a need for closer monitoring and follow-up to ensure adequate use of treatment of patients.
“…Yaşar et al found that smoking cessation rates increased significantly in those who received pharmacological treatment for a sufficient period of time [ 24 ]. Tural Önür et al concluded that the success of quitting is higher in patients who came to follow-up appointments [ 29 ].…”
The aim of this study was to identify the determinants of smoking cessation outcomes and reasons for relapse following smoking cessation treatment. Using a mixed-method design, 179 patients were recruited from the Smoking Cessation outpatient clinic of Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital between May 2016 and May 2017. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires or from patient files and qualitative data were obtained via 5 focus group interviews with 28 patients who relapsed to smoking following treatment. The success rate of the smoking cessation clinic at the end of one year was 26%. The number of applications to the clinic was significantly higher in the group who quit smoking. Treatment success was found to be higher in the group that applied behavioral recommendations. In focus group interviews with patients who relapsed, the most common causes were stressful events, especially workplace problems and serious health problems experienced by relatives. The presence of smokers in the immediate vicinity increased the risk of relapse. It was concluded that not stopping treatment before the recommended period, continuity in follow-up appointments, support of the environment, support of pharmacotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy and improving patients’ coping skills were important.
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