Study of some methods of smoking cessation

Background Addiction of tobacco is both mental and physical. For many smokers, the best way to quit is a combination of medical, behavioral, and emotional support. The aim of the work was to study the effectiveness of aversion therapy using onion-powdered cigarette as a method of quitting compared with nicotine replacement therapy and conventional behavioral (5As) therapy in smoking cessation. Patients and methods A prospective, randomized study recruited 60 smokers from Ain Shams University Hospitals who were divided into three groups. Group I: included 20 participants subjected to a brief verbal (5As) therapy for smoking cessation; group II: included 20 participants subjected to a brief verbal (5As) with adding nicotine gum; group III: included 20 participants subjected to brief verbal (5As) with adding aversion therapy in the form of single onion-powdered cigarette by mixing tobacco with dried onion powder by an equal amount. Weekly interviews were conducted for follow-up, for at least 6 months from the beginning of treatment. Results All participants were male smokers within the age range of 21–70 years. There were significant statistical differences ( P ≤0.05) between the three studied groups as regards the outcome: the complete success rate of quitting was significantly higher among group 1 (30%) versus 15% in group II and 15% in group III. On other hand, the partial success was recorded in 45, 55, and 20% of group I, II, and III, respectively. Lastly failed attempts were recorded in 25, 30, and 65% of group I, II, and III, respectively. There were significance statistical correlations ( P <0.05) found between the outcome and the age, pack/year, duration of smoking, craving time, presence of relapsing causes, and nicotine dependence score. However, there was no statically significant correlation ( P >0.05) found between the outcome and age of initiation, occupation, presence of comorbidities, marital status, and previous quitting attempts. Conclusion Behavioral therapy (5As) is most effective in smoking cessation program. Nicotine replacement therapy and aversion therapy may be an adjuvant in the smoking cessation program. Aversion therapy is a simple procedure, economic, practical, easy to apply, and may be effective in smoking cessation.