Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the demographic characteristics and the success rates of the smokers who had completed one year follow-up in our smoking cessation clinic. A full medical history was taken and Fagerström Nicotine Dependency Test was performed at the first appointment. The subjects were given counseling regarding the hazards of smoking and a booklet for motivation was provided. The study population who were admitted for the second appointment, was consisted of 145 smokers (mean age 46.20±10.42 yrs, female/male: 64/81). They received behavioral therapy and motivational support at their second appointment. Follow-up visits and proactive telephone interviews were performed periodically. In 58 (40%) of them, nicotine patches were used as nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) for two months. There was no significant difference in terms of age, sex, history of smoking and Fagerström Nicotine Dependency Score between smokers who were given NRT and the others (p>0.05). At the 15th day, 81% of the NRT group and 71% of the other smokers were not smoking. By one year, the rates of cessation were 55.2% and 40%, respectively (p>0.05). The overall success rate was 45.5% at the end of one year. In conclusion, we can say that behavioral therapy and intensive motivational support, follow-up visits and phone calls play an important role in smoking cessation. Application of NRT improves this success.