Two-Years Follow-up Results of a Smoking Cessation Clinic in a State Hospital

Objective: The primary aim of the present study was to evaluate the data and success of a smoking cessation clinic in a secondary state hospital. Secondarily, the study aimed to compare the cessation rates of patients using varenicline and bupropion.
Methods: A total of 251 patients, admitted to our smoking cessation clinic were retrospectively evaluated. The smoking cessation clinic was run one day every week and included a 35-min presentation on smoking cessation and face-to-face interviews with every patient who attended the clinic. Monthly control visits were conducted, and after 2 years all the patients were asked about their smoking status via a phone call.
Results: A total of 152 out of the 251 patients, namely those who were successfully contacted, were included in the study. The average age of the study population was 46.2±11.2 (18–69), and 81 (53.3%) were female. The average nicotine dependence level was 5.8±2.3. The nicotine dependence levels and the amount of current cigarette consumption in one day were higher in the varenicline group (p=0.003 and p=0.002, respectively), whereas the duration of treatment was lower (p=0.009). Among all the patients, the average smoking cessation rate was 61.2% in 6 months, 34.2% in 12 months, 18.4% in 18 months, and 5.3% in 24 months. There were no differences in smoking cessation rates between the varenicline and bupropion groups (p>0.05).
Conclusion: An effective success in smoking cessation was observed with the combined use of behavioral and pharmacological modalities. Intensive behavioral interventions and treatment and follow up for longer durations, particularly for patients with risk factors for relapse, can increase the success of smoking cessation clinics.