Characteristics of smokers and factors associated with quitting from a smoking cessation clinic in Singapore
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Author(s)
Michelle Shi Min Fang and Loo Chian Min
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| Presenter(s) |
Michelle Shi Min Fang Program Coordinator, Singapore General Hospital, Singapore |
Abstract Background: Smokers suffer from smoking related conditions such as cancer, lung disease, and cardiovascular disease. Smoking cessation clinics are available in hospital settings in Singapore. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the characteristics of smokers seeking for professional help and predictors for successful quitting.
Methods: Adult smokers were enrolled in a smoking cessation clinic from Jan 2008 to Dec 2011. These patients received up to 4 sessions (30-60 min per session) of individualized interventions including counseling and medications by a certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist (TTS). A self-reported Point Abstinence rate (PA) via telephone was recorded at 3 months.
Results: Over 4 years, 317 patients were participated in this program. Majority of participants were males (94.3%; n=299), Chinese (68.5%; n=217), married (66.6%; n=211). The mean (SD) age was 52.6 (16.0) years and mean (SD) pack years was 34.7 (26.6). Most participants used pharmacotherapy (79.5%; n=252) and had an average of 2.2 sessions. Sessions visited (p<.001), age (p<.01), years of smoking (p<.05) were associated with quitting. The 3-month CA rate was 45.4% among all smokers.
Conclusions: This study has confirmed smoking cessation clinic of a general hospital was effective. Frequency of clinic visits, age and years of smoking were related to successful quitting.
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Presenter biography the Program Coordinator of Smoking Cessation Clinic at Singapore General Hospital. She is a registered nurse with formal training in Psychology. She has more than four years of clinical experience in tobacco dependence treatment.
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Declaration of interest: None
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