Evaluation of patients followed up in a cigarette cessation clinic

Objectives: The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics and factors determining success in a smoking cessation clinic in smokers who completed a 1-year follow up. Method: A total of 349 patients were assessed retrospectively. Results: There were 238 men (mean age: 41 +/- 13.5 years) and 111 women (mean age: 37 +/- 11.9 years) (t-test P = 0.004). The average age at which they began to smoke, number of years of smoking and the number of cigarettes/day were 17.5 +/- 5.2 years (median 17), 22.1 +/- 13.3 years, 23.5 +/- 12.0, respectively. Cigarette smoking was mostly observed in university graduates (56.8%) and a moderate negative correlation existed between education status and smoking duration (r = -0.27, P = 0.000). Patients with a Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire score of >= 6 and those exposed to cigarette smoke in childhood tended to commence and become commited smokers later in life (chi(2) = 4.915, P = 0.027). In all, 151 patients (43.26%) were successful in quitting (chi(2) = 36.4, P = 0.000). Of these, 87 (24.93%) used medication such as nicotine patches (13.5%), bupropion (7.2%), nicotine patches + bupropion (4.3%) and 64 (18.33%) refused medication, but came for professional support. Conclusion: Increased education level, behavioural therapy and intensive motivational support, follow-up visits and phone calls all appear to play important roles in smoking cessation. Families also play a major role.