EFFECTIVENESS OF TREATMENT FOR QUITTING SMOKING AND MARAS POWDER USE IN PATIENTS AGED SIXTY YEARS OR OLDER

Introduction: The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of treatment for quitting smoking and Maras powder use in patients aged 60 years or older, and to examine factors likely to be effective in stopping tobacco use. Materials and Method: Out of 178 patients aged 60 years or older, who presented to our outpatient clinic for quitting smoking and Maras powder use, 115 for whom there were no missing data were enrolled in this study. Results: Out of 100 patients who presenting to quit smoking, 76 (76.0%) were male and 24 (24.0%) were female. Fifteen patients who presenting to quit Maras powder use were all male. The mean age of the participants was 62.98 +/- 4.30 years (min=60, max=81) and did not differ between the female and male participants (p=0.351). Forty-eight smokers (48.0%) gave up smoking during treatment, but 52 smokers (52.0%) were still smoking during treatment. Eight Maras powder users stopped using the powder after treatment, but seven Maras powder users continued using Maras powder despite treatment. Conclusion: We found that a high proportion of patients aged 60 years or older stopped using tobacco after treatment. Determination to stop tobacco use, appropriate treatment and regular follow-up play an important part in quitting tobacco use.