The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective:

As a result of tobacco control measures many smokers in the Netherlands quit smoking on their own. Heavy smokers, especially low SES smokers who made several unsuccessful quit attempts and smokers with a smoking related disease need more support.

Objectives of the pilot study: - To develop a protocolled cognitive-behavioural intervention for the treatment of heavy smokers and smokers with a smoking related disease - To evaluate the effects of the intervention - To examine the feasibility of the intervention in primary and secondary care

Methods:

The intervention lasts three months and consists of six meetings and a follow-up by telephone. It is based on motivational interviewing, self-control strategies and relapse prevention. Nurses were trained and supervised by cognitive-behavioural therapists. Data were collected before, directly after and one year after the intervention.

Results:

51 patients were included in the study, 30 (59%) of them being low SES smokers. 35 (69%) patients either had a cardiovascular or lung disease.

By using intention-to-treat analysis, 25 participants (49%) were abstinent at the end of the intervention, 7 (14%) reduced their smoking by more than 50%. From the low SES smokers, 16 (53%) were abstinent.

After one year 10 (20%) were abstinent, and 5 (10%) had reduced their smoking by more than 50%. The method seems suitable for heavy smokers heaving difficulties to quit, especially for low SES smokers. Quantitative as well as qualitative results from this study will be discussed.