Success predicting factors in smoking cessation in asthma patients

Objectives: To study clinical and functional factors related to asthma andtobaccoconsumption which could predict a successful program of smoking cessation in asthma patients. Material and Methods: 60 current smokers with bronchial asthma followed up in ourasthma clinics were included (18 men and 42 women, aged 13.47 - 49.18), collecting in the first visital lsociodemographic data, including smoking habits, presence of other comorbidities, measurement of CO levels and clinical and functional status regarding the severity of asthma. Motivation to quit smoking was assessed using a survey with 3 possible answers (”thinking about quit”, “may quit” and ”ready to quit”). It was all analyzed to try to figure out which factors could predict abstinence (CO levels under 5 ppm) at a 6-month follow-up. Patients were randomly assigned to a group where motivational interviews, cognitive therapy and basic advice were provided to facilitate smoking cessation. Results: Survey results showed motivation to quit smoking with 21.7%thinking about it,63.3% may quit and 15%ready to quit. Mean consumption was 23.9±16 pack/years. Fagerström test scores were 5.42±2.58. Smoking cessation at six months in both men and women was confirmed at 31.66%. Patient motivation, mainly in patients ready to quit or who may quit, was the only reliable predicting factor of smoking cessation (p<0.016). Conclusions: It is vital to stress the necessity of smoking cessation to all asthma patients as well as continue to provide encouragement to quit smoking in each follow up, as it seems to be the strongest success factor.