Essential components for success: A smoking cessation programme in a group setting

Abstract

Objective: To assess long-term quit rates of a comprehensive smoking cessation group programme and identify factors that may influence outcomes. Design: Data from 199 patients who participated in the programme from June 2009 through June 2010 were evaluated regarding smoking history, nicotine dependence and attitudes toward smoking and quitting. Setting: The programme is offered at hospitals, worksites and multiple community locations. Methods: All participants were offered eight weekly group counselling sessions and cessation medication. Participants completed a programme evaluation at the end of the last session to assess smoking status and evaluate the course. Patients were contacted at three and 12 months post-programme to obtain their smoking status. Results: Over half (58%) of participants attended the majority of the eight group therapy sessions and most took pharmacotherapy for smoking cessation (173, 87%). Most (148, 76%) had successfully quit smoking at the end of the eighth session; 131 (67%) and 81 (56%) remained tobacco free at the three- and 12-month assessments respectively. Conclusion: This carefully planned programme with detailed materials and procedures provides a non-judgemental, supportive environment that fosters participant adherence in implementing the behaviours that are necessary to achieve total and enduring smoking abstinence.