ORIGINAL PAPER
Perceived cessation treatment effectiveness among socially disadvantaged light and heavy smokers
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1
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology)
2
Medical University of Lodz, Łódź, Poland
(Department of Nutrition in Digestive Tract Diseases)
Online publication date: 2019-06-26
Corresponding author
Kinga Polańska
Medical University of Lodz, Department of Hygiene and Epidemiology, Żeligowskiego 7/9, 90-752 Łódź, Poland
Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):527-36
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ABSTRACT
Objectives: The aim of the current study was to assess the perceived treatment effectiveness and beliefs with respect to the best advisor who could
conduct smoking cessation treatment or counseling among socially disadvantaged light and heavy smokers. This could be crucial for implementation
of a successful smoking cessation intervention among this vulnerable population. Material and Methods: The current assessments were based on
the data collected during the second wave of a cross-sectional study performed in the Piotrkowski District among 1668 adults aged 18–59, entitled to
social aid from welfare institutions. Face-to-face interviews were conducted to collect the relevant data. Results: The current daily smoking status was
declared by 31% of the participants. About 23% of the study sample (74% of daily smokers) admitted to being heavy smokers with a meaningful difference
between men and women (p < 0.05). About 29% of the daily smokers indicated that medications/pharmacotherapy could be a good method
for giving up the habit. Fifteen percent of the participants shared the opinion that a smoking cessation specialist is the best advisor for counseling, and
only about 7% would choose a general practitioner or pharmacist, and even fewer a nurse, as a person who could provide help to smokers. There were
no statistically significant differences in any of the evaluated perceptions between the light and heavy smokers (p > 0.05). Conclusions: A high share
of heavy smokers among socially disadvantaged people, and their perception that medications/pharmacotherapy would be a good solution to quit
smoking, underline the need for stronger support for this method, including relevant financing resources and training. However, this method should
be applied along with behavioral counseling. Int J Occup Med Environ Health. 2019;32(4):527–36