The Effect of Fear of COVID-19 on Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Aim: We aimed to investigate the relationship between fear of COVID-19 and smoking cessation success. Methods: The study is an observational analytic study. It was conducted prospectively and we included people who applied to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic between 01 Oct 2020 and 31 Oct 2020 and agreed to participate in the study. A questionnaire prepared by the researchers, the Fear of COVID-19 Scale, and the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence were applied to the participants. When necessary treatments had been initiated, a particular date is determined for each participant as a smoking cessation date. Participants were called in the 1st month and 3rd months from the smoking cessation day to enquire whether they quit smoking. Results: A total of 222 people participated in this study. The mean score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale was calculated as 18.77±6.45. The success rate of smoking cessation in the 3rd month was 55% (n=122). No significant relationship was found between smoking cessation success and the score of the Fear of COVID-19 Scale. Conclusion: Although we cannot associate it with the fear of COVID-19 alone, we believe that the pandemic increases the success of early smoking cessation. To maintain these success rates, it is important to provide adequate support to the patients. Keywords: COVID-19, fear, smoking cessation, tobacco smoking