Effectiveness of drug and non-drug treatment of tobacco dependence among physicians and nurses

Abstract

Introduction. The article is devoted to assessing the effectiveness of drug and non-drug treatment of tobacco dependence in health care workers. Material and methods. The study included 621 medical workers (237 men and 384 women) working in hospitals in Moscow, at the average age of 48.3 ± 5.6 years, including 207 doctors and 414 nurses. The medical workers were divided into 2 groups depending on the anti-smoking program used. The first group consisted of 316 medical workers who received non-drug methods of treatment: psychosocial support, using cognitive aspects; psychotherapy; breathing exercises; acupuncture; increase physical activity. The second group consisted of 305 medical workers who, in addition to non-drug methods (described above), received Varenicline treatment (Champix® - tablets) and, if necessary, nicotine replacement therapy. Results. In medical workers from the 2nd group, besides non-pharmacological therapy, received the drug Varenicline, 195 out of 305 (64%) persons completely stopped smoking; In the 1st group of Medical workers receiving non-drug therapy, 177 out of 316 (56% ) cases completely quit smoking (OR= 1.40; 95% CI: 1.01-1.93; p=0.0423). 6 months after the end of the treatment program, in the first group 84 (26.7%) medical workers) in the 2nd group - 31 medical workers (10.2%) restarted smoking, (OR=3.02, 95% CI: 2.05-5.02; p<0.00001). Conclusion. Thus, the antismoking program, including drug Varenicline and, if necessary, nicotine-replacement therapy, as well as non-drug effects, including psycho-social support; psychotherapy; breathing exercises; acupuncture; an increase in physical activity showed higher efficacy compared with the antismoking program without Varenicline, moreover, high efficacy remained even after the treatment carried out for 6 months.