Acessibilidade / Reportar erro

Comparison of two smoking cessation interventions for inpatients

ABSTRACT

Objective:

This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral therapy-based smoking cessation interventions initiated during hospitalization and to evaluate the factors related to relapse after discharge.

Methods:

This was a prospective randomized study involving 90 smokers hospitalized in a university hospital. We collected data related to sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for admission, smoking-related diseases, smoking history, the degree of nicotine dependence (ND), and the level of craving. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: brief intervention (BrInter, n = 45); and intensive intervention with presentation of an educational video (InInterV, n=45). To assess relapse, all patients were assessed by telephone interview in the first, third, and sixth months after discharge. Abstinence was confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO).

Results:

Of the 90 patients evaluated, 55 (61.1%) were male. The mean age was 51.1 ± 12.2 years. The degree of ND was elevated in 39 (43.4%), and withdrawal symptoms were present in 53 (58.9%). The mean eCO at baseline was 4.8 ± 4.5 ppm. The eCO correlated positively with the degree of ND (r = 0.244; p = 0.02) and negatively with the number of smoke-free days (r = −0.284; p = 0.006). There were no differences between the groups in terms of the variables related to socioeconomic status, smoking history, or hospitalization. Of the 81 patients evaluated at 6 months, 33 (40.7%) remained abstinent (9 and 24 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p = 0.001), and 48 (59.3%) had relapsed (31 and 17 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p= 0.001). Moderate or intense craving was a significant independent risk factor for relapse, with a relative risk of 4.0 (95% CI: 1.5-10.7; p < 0.00001).

Conclusions:

The inclusion of an educational video proved effective in reducing relapse rates. Craving is a significant risk factor for relapse.

Keywords:
Smoking cessation; Tobacco use disorder; Inpatients; Hospitalization

RESUMO

Objetivo:

Comparar a eficácia de duas intervenções de cessação de tabagismo baseadas na terapia cognitivo-comportamental em pacientes internados e avaliar os fatores relacionados à recaída após a alta hospitalar.

Métodos:

Estudo prospectivo, randomizado, com 90 tabagistas internados em um hospital universitário. Foram coletados dados relacionados a características sociodemográficas, motivo da internação, doenças relacionadas ao tabagismo, carga tabágica, grau de dependência de nicotina (DN) e grau de fissura. Os pacientes foram distribuídos em dois grupos de tratamento: intervenção breve (InB; n = 45) e intervenção intensiva com apresentação de um vídeo educativo (InIV; n = 45). Para avaliar recaídas, todos os pacientes foram entrevistados por contato telefônico no primeiro, terceiro e sexto mês após a alta. A abstinência foi confirmada pela medida de monóxido de carbono no ar expirado (COex).

Resultados:

Dos 90 pacientes avaliados, 55 (61,1%) eram homens. A média de idade foi de 51,1 ± 12,2 anos. O grau de DN foi elevado em 39 (43,4%), e sintomas de abstinência estavam presentes em 53 (58,9%). A média de COex inicial foi de 4,8 ± 4,5 ppm. O COex se correlacionou positivamente com o grau de DN (r = 0,244; p = 0,02) e negativamente com o número de dias sem fumar (r = −0,284; p = 0,006). Não houve diferenças entre os grupos quanto a variáveis relacionadas com nível socioeconômico, carga tabágica ou internação. Dos 81 pacientes avaliados após 6 meses de segmento, 33 (40,7%) continuaram abstinentes (9 e 24 nos grupos InB e InIV, respectivamente; p = 0,001) e 48 (59,3%) recaíram (31 e 17 nos grupos InB e InIV, respectivamente; p = 0,001). O grau de fissura (moderado ou intenso) foi um fator de risco independente significativo para a recaída, com um risco relativo de 4,0 (IC95%: 1,5-10,7; p < 0,00001).

Conclusões:

A inclusão de um vídeo educativo provou ser eficaz na redução das taxas de recaída. O grau de fissura foi um fator de risco significativo para a recaída.

Descritores:
Abandono do hábito de fumar; Tabagismo; Pacientes internados; Hospitalização

INTRODUCTION

Tobacco-related diseases constitute one of the main causes of hospital admission.11 Ockene IS, Miller NH. Cigarette smoking, cardiovascular disease, and stroke: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. American Heart Association Task Force on Risk Reduction. Circulation. 1997;96(9):3243-7. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.96.9.3243
https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.96.9.3243...

2 Juster HR, Loomis BR, Hinman TM, Farrelly MC, Hyland A, Bauer UE, et al. Declines in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction in New York state after implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(11):2035-9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.099994
https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.099994...
-33 Mohiuddin SM, Moos AN, Hunter CB, Grollmes TL, Cloutier DA, Hilleman DE. Intensive smoking cessation intervention reduces mortality in high-risk smokers with cardiovascular disease. Chest. 2007;131(2):446-52. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587
https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587...
When smoking patients are hospitalized, it is recommended that they be given counseling and treatment for nicotine dependence, during hospitalization and for at least four weeks after discharge.44 Reichert J, Araújo AJ, Gonçalves CM, Godoy I, Chatkin JM, Sales MP, et al. Smoking cessation guidelines--2008. J Bras Pneumol. 2008;34(10):845-80. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001000014
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713200800...
However, very few hospitals treat nicotine-dependent patients during hospitalization. Due to smoking restrictions on hospital premises, such patients feel forced to quit smoking regardless of their level of motivation to do so. Therefore, hospitalization provides a unique opportunity to approach those patients who wish to quit smoking.55 Emmons KM, Goldstein MG. Smokers who are hospitalized: a window of opportunity for cessation interventions. Prev Med. 1992;21(2):262-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)90024-C
https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)900...
Various studies33 Mohiuddin SM, Moos AN, Hunter CB, Grollmes TL, Cloutier DA, Hilleman DE. Intensive smoking cessation intervention reduces mortality in high-risk smokers with cardiovascular disease. Chest. 2007;131(2):446-52. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587
https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587...
,66 Molyneux A, Lewis S, Leivers U, Anderton A, Antoniak M, Brackenridge A, et al. Clinical trial comparing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) plus brief counselling, brief counselling alone, and minimal intervention on smoking cessation in hospital inpatients. Thorax. 2003;58(6):484-8. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.58.6.484
https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.58.6.484...

7 Simon JA, Carmody TP, Hudes ES, Snyder E, Murray J. Intensive smoking cessation counseling versus minimal counseling among hospitalized smokers treated with transdermal nicotine replacement: a randomized trial. Am J Med. 2003;114(7):555-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00081-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00...
-88 Rigotti NA, Arnsten JH, McKool KM, Wood-Reid KM, Singer DE, Pasternak RC. The use of nicotine-replacement therapy by hospitalized smokers. Am J Prev Med. 1999;17(4):255-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00095-1
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00...
have shown that, despite the fact that smoking is not allowed in hospitals, 25% of nicotine-dependent patients smoke during hospitalization; 55% of smoking patients report withdrawal symptoms during hospitalization; only 6% of such patients receive nicotine replacement therapy (NRT); and 63% of patients receiving NRT relapse during the first week after hospital discharge (45% relapsing on the first day).

Data suggest that 50% of smokers stop smoking without assistance immediately after a cardiovascular event that results in hospitalization. However, the smoking relapse rate after hospitalization for a cardiovascular event is 50%. The occurrence of withdrawal symptoms immediately after discharge and of depressive symptoms 3-6 months later are the main factors related to smoking relapse after hospitalization.

Many types of resources are used for outpatient smoking cessation treatment, including self-help materials, counseling, cognitive behavioral therapy, and pharmacological treatment.99 Le Foll B, George TP. Treatment of tobacco dependence: integrating recent progress into practice. CMAJ. 2007;177(11):1373-80. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070627
https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070627...
Nevertheless, there are few data available about intra-hospital smoking cessation therapy. According to a recent meta-analysis,1010 Rigotti NA, Clair C, Munafò MR, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(5):CD001837. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
https://doi.org/...
smoking cessation intervention during hospitalization must be intensive to be effective. The objective of this study was to compare two cognitive behavioral therapy-based interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients, in terms of their effectiveness, and to evaluate the factors associated with relapse after discharge. A secondary objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of a video counseling intervention, which was tested because it is feasible, requiring fewer resources, and if effective would be a useful tool at every kind of hospital, even when specialists are not available.

METHODS

This was a randomized prospective study involving smokers hospitalized between January and December of 2016 on the medical or surgical ward of Antônio Pedro University Hospital, a 232-bed teaching community hospital located in the city of Niterói, Brazil. For the purposes of this study, we excluded a total of 108 of those beds in the departments of obstetrics, neonatal care, and pediatrics, as well as in the nursery, adult ICU, and emergency room.

To be eligible for the study, subjects had to be current cigarette smokers; between 18 and 80 years of age; and motivated to remain abstinent from smoking after hospital discharge. Individuals who had smoked regularly (at least one cigarette per day) for at least 30 days before hospitalization, were classified as current smokers.1111 Stramari LM, Kurtz M, Silva LC. Prevalence of and variables related to smoking among medical students at a university in the city of Passo Fundo, Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2009;35(5):442-8. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132009000500009
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713200900...
Prospective subjects were excluded if they were receiving end-of-life care, were clinically unstable, had cognitive or memory deficits, had a psychiatric disorder, or were pregnant.

Patients were enrolled within the first 48 h after hospital admission, at which time an interviewer collected data related to sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, smoking history, intention to stop smoking during hospitalization/after discharge, and nicotine withdrawal symptoms. The level of nicotine dependence was assessed with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND).1212 Fagerstrom KO, Schneider NG. Measuring nicotine dependence: a review of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. J Behav Med. 1989;12(2):159-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846549
https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846549...
To assess the level of nicotine craving, we used the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges (QSU-brief),1313 Araujo RB, Oliveira MS, Moraes JF, Pedroso RS, Port F, De Castro MG. Validation of the Brazilian version of Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief. Rev Psiq Clin. 2007;34(4):166-75. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832007000400002
https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-6083200700...
whereas we assessed the use/abuse of alcohol with the Cut down, Annoyed, Guilty, and Eye-opener questionnaire.1414 Mayfield D, McLeod G, Hall P. The CAGE questionnaire: validation of a new alcoholism screening instrument. Am J Psychiatry. 1974;131(10):1121-3. Patient records were further evaluated in order to confirm and complement the data.

Interventions

We calculated that a sample of 90 subjects would be required in order to achieve sufficient statistical power to identify differences between two groups. Therefore, 90 inpatients were randomly assigned to one of two treatment groups: the brief intervention (BrInter) group (n = 45) and the intensive intervention with an educational video (InInterV) group (n = 45).

BrInter group

Patients in the BrInter group received counseling on the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting in an ordinary session lasting 10 min. No audiovisual resources were used, nor was any pharmacological intervention proposed.

InInterV group

The intensive cognitive behavioral therapy-based intervention was performed by a researcher who had previously been trained in smoking cessation treatment at the Brazilian National Cancer Institute. Patients assigned to the InInterV group were counseled in a session that lasted approximately 40 min, comprising a 10-min oral intervention and a 30-min educational video presentation. In that session, the counselor reviewed the dangers of smoking and the benefits of quitting; assessed the knowledge and beliefs of the participant, as well as the potential barriers to smoking cessation; explained the mechanisms of nicotine dependence and the symptoms of withdrawal; presented counter-arguments to belief barriers; and discussed behavioral self-management strategies to counter relapse triggers. No pharmacological intervention was proposed. A team of researchers, composed of a cardiologist, a pulmonologist, and a psychiatrist created the intellectual content and produced the video. The video presentation was performed with a notebook computer installed at the bedside. This video will be made available upon request.

Follow up

All participants were contacted by telephone at 1, 3, and 6 months after discharge from the hospital. During hospitalization and at 6 months after discharge, smoking status was assessed and self-reported abstinence was biochemically validated by measuring exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO) with a portable breath analyzer (Micro CO; Micro Medical Ltd, Rochester, UK). Values of eCO over 6 ppm were considered indicative of recent smoking.1515 Stelmach R, Fernandes FL, Carvalho-Pinto RM, Athanazio RA, Rached SZ, Prado GF, et al. Comparison between objective measures of smoking and self-reported smoking status in patients with asthma or COPD: are our patients telling us the truth? J Bras Pneumol. 2015;(2):124-32. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132015000004526
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713201500...

In the telephone interviews conducted at 6 months after discharge, additional data were obtained. Patients were asked about possible improvements in their lives after smoking cessation, such as those related to respiratory symptoms, family relationships, physical activities, and financial well-being. They were also invited to schedule an appointment at our hospital within the next seven days, in order to submit to eCO evaluation.

For patients who were unable to come to the hospital, the eCO measurement was performed in the home. Patients who could not be contacted after at least two telephone calls were considered lost to follow-up. Participants who had relapsed were encouraged to undergo outpatient treatment at our institution.

Statistical analysis

The sample size (n = 90) was calculated according to the expected prevalence of smoking among hospitalized patients. That calculation was based on data collected in a previous study conducted by our group, in which that prevalence was found to be 13%.1616 Ferreira ÂS, Campos AC, dos Santos IP, Beserra MR, Silva EN, Fonseca VA. Smoking among inpatients at a university hospital. J Bras Pneumol. 2011;37(4):488-94. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132011000400011
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713201100...

Continuous variables are expressed as mean and standard deviation or as median where appropriate. Categorical variables are expressed as absolute and relative frequencies. To compare the two groups, the Mann-Whitney U test was used for continuous variables, whereas the chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test were used for categorical variables. Logistic regression analysis was used in order to identify independent predictors of relapse. The Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank tests were used in order to identify event-free patients. An event was defined as any relapse after the initial intervention. The strength of the associations between continuous variables was determined with Spearman’s correlation coefficient. To evaluate the distribution of the data collected, we used the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test. For variables that did not present a normal distribution, due to dispersion, we used nonparametric methods of analysis. A level of significance of 5% was adopted. All statistical analyses were performed with the Statistical Analysis System, version 6.11 (SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC, USA) and the IBM SPSS Statistics software package, version 18.0 (IBM Corporation, Armonk, NY, USA).

The study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Fluminense Federal University School of Medicine (Reference no. 0008.0.258.000-10). All participating patients gave written informed consent.

RESULTS

Of the 90 hospitalized smokers evaluated, 55 (61.1%) were male; 47 (52.2%) were unmarried; only 30 (32.3%) had graduated high school; 65 (72.2%) earned less than minimum wage; 47 (52.2%) were hospitalized on medical wards; and 43 (47.8%) were hospitalized on surgical wards. The mean age of the patients was 51 ± 12.2 years (range, 20-72 years). The reasons for admission were as follows: cancer (in 23.3%); cardiovascular diseases (in 21.1%), primarily coronary artery disease; respiratory diseases (in 14.4%); and osteoarticular diseases (in 13.4%). There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the reasons for admission.

The most prevalent smoking-related diseases prior to the hospitalization were hypertension (in 51.1%), gastritis (in 33.3%), COPD (in 28.8%), and diabetes mellitus (in 26.6%). Of the 35 female smokers, 14 (40%) reported having had at least one miscarriage. Of the 90 patients evaluated, 16 (17.8%) reported dependence on alcohol and 19 (21.1%) reported dependence on one or more other drugs. Seventy-eight (86.7%) reported having a sedentary lifestyle.

Among the patients evaluated, the mean number of cigarettes smoked daily was 20.7 ± 13.1, the mean time since taking up the smoking habit was 34.8 ± 13.5 years, the mean smoking history was 38.8 ± 31.4 pack-years, and the mean age at smoking initiation was 15.9 ± 5.4 years. In addition, the degree of nicotine dependence was classified as high or very high in 40 (43.4%) of the patients and 58 (64.5%) had already attempted to quit smoking at least once. Patients gave the following reasons for remaining abstinent after hospital discharge: health concerns (in 85 patients); family related concerns (in 13); financial problems (in 8); aesthetic concerns (in 3); improvement in their quality of life (in 2); social acceptance (in 2); improved personal hygiene (in 2); and religious concerns (in 1). All patients reported needing help to remain abstinent. During hospitalization, 53 (58.9%) of the 90 patients reported at least one nicotine-withdrawal symptom and presented at least a minimum or a light degree of craving according to the QSU-brief. The mean eCO in the initial evaluation was 4.8 ± 4.5 ppm, which correlated positively with the FTND score (r = 0.244; p = 0.020) and negatively with smoke-free days at enrollment (r = −0.284; p = 0.006).

Of the 90 patients evaluated, 9 were excluded from the 6-month assessment: due to death, in 5 (3 BrInter group patients and 2 InInterV group patients); and due to loss to follow-up, in 4 (2 BrInter group patients and 2 InInterV group patients). Therefore, a total of 81 patients were evaluated at 6 months after discharge. No significant difference was observed between the two groups in terms of demographic characteristics, socioeconomic variables, or smoking history (Tables 1 and 2).

Table 1
Demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of the patients evaluated, by treatment group.
Table 2
Smoking variables among the patients evaluated, by treatment group.a

At 6 months of follow-up, the estimated overall abstinence rate was 40.7%, 9 and 24 patients in the BrInter and InInterV groups, respectively, having remained abstinent from smoking, whereas the estimated overall relapse rate was 59.3%, 31 and 17 patients in the BrInter and InInterV groups, respectively, having relapsed. The mean eCO at 6 months was 0.7 ± 0.6 ppm (range, 0-2 ppm). As can be seen in Figure 1, there were fewer cases of relapse in the InInterV group than in the BrInter group.

Figure 1
Comparison between the groups studied, in terms of the rates of relapse and abstinence, at 6 months after discharge from the hospital.

Of the 48 patients who relapsed, 38 (79.1%) had resumed smoking within the first month after discharge-27 within the first week (15 on the first day); 8 (16.6%) had resumed smoking between the first and third month; and 2 (4.1%) had resumed smoking between the fourth and sixth month. As shown in Figure 2, there was a significant difference between the BrInter and InInterV groups in terms of the event-free curve (p = 0.002), the InInterV group presenting a higher event-free rate. The mean time to relapse was approximately 24 days. The main reason for relapse, reported by 37 patients (77.0%), was craving.

Figure 2
ROC curves for event-free follow-up, by group.

In the comparison between the patients who had relapsed by 6 months after discharge and those who had not (Figure 3), the former presented significantly higher QSU-brief scores (p = 0.001). The differences between the relapsing and abstinent patients were not significant for any of the other variables evaluated: the condition that prompted admission (p = 0.75); alcohol dependence (p = 0.31); drug dependence (p = 0.47); and a sedentary lifestyle (p = 0.59).

Figure 3
Scores on the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges, by outcome.

There was a significant positive correlation between the FTND score and the QSU-brief score (r = 0.209; p = 0.048), whereas there was a significant negative correlation between the number of smoke-free days and the QSU-brief score (r = −0.353; p = 0.001). Figure 4 shows the ROC curve for the QSU-brief scores vis-à-vis relapse. The best QSU-brief cut-off score for identifying relapse was 20, which had a sensitivity of 66.7% and a specificity of 72.7%. According to the logistic regression, the factors that were independent predictors of relapse were being in the BrInter group (p = 0.008) and having moderate or intense cravings (p = 0.034), with relative risks of 3.9 and 3.0, respectively.

Figure 4
ROC curve for the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges score, in relation to relapse.

Of the 33 patients who had remained abstinent throughout the 6-month follow-up period, 18 (54.5%) reported improvement in their respiratory symptoms; 15 (45.4%) reported improvement in their financial situation; 13 (39.3%) reported improvement in their sense of smell; and 10 (30.3%) reported improvement in their sense of taste. Only one patient reported having observed no improvement whatsoever.

DISCUSSION

Every year, millions of smokers are hospitalized for smoking-related diseases. Those admissions constitute a window of opportunity for implementing smoking cessation programs.77 Simon JA, Carmody TP, Hudes ES, Snyder E, Murray J. Intensive smoking cessation counseling versus minimal counseling among hospitalized smokers treated with transdermal nicotine replacement: a randomized trial. Am J Med. 2003;114(7):555-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00081-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00...
Smokers who are hospitalized are more susceptible to anti-smoking messages for a number of reasons1717 Munafò M, Rigotti N, Lancaster T, Stead L, Murphy M. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients: a systematic review. Thorax. 2001;56(8):656-63. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656
https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656...
: their frailty; their fear of complications or death from the disease that prompted their admission; and the fact that they are forced to refrain from smoking because of the smoking ban in hospitals. Few hospitals identify smokers during hospitalization, and even fewer offer smoking cessation treatment and follow-up after discharge.55 Emmons KM, Goldstein MG. Smokers who are hospitalized: a window of opportunity for cessation interventions. Prev Med. 1992;21(2):262-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)90024-C
https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)900...
In this study, all hospitalized smokers reported being motivated to quit smoking for good, although they stated that they needed help to remain abstinent, supporting the concept that hospitalization is an opportune time to initiate smoking cessation treatment.

There have been few epidemiological studies on in-hospital smoking cessation treatment and its management. In a previous study conducted by our group and involving 136 hospitalized patients,1616 Ferreira ÂS, Campos AC, dos Santos IP, Beserra MR, Silva EN, Fonseca VA. Smoking among inpatients at a university hospital. J Bras Pneumol. 2011;37(4):488-94. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132011000400011
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713201100...
18 (13.2%) of the patients were smokers. Of those 18 patients, 16 (88.9%) experienced withdrawal symptoms during hospitalization. In the present study, the prevalence of smoking was lower (8.1%) and only 53 (58.9%) of the 90 patients experienced withdrawal symptoms, minimum or mild craving being the predominant symptom. Warner et al.1818 Warner DO, Patten CA, Ames SC, Offord K, Schroeder D. Smoking behavior and perceived stress in cigarette smokers undergoing elective surgery. Anesthesiology. 2004;100(5):1125-37. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-200405000-00014
https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-2004050...
did not observe intense withdrawal symptoms in smokers hospitalized for elective surgery. The authors suggest that psychological stress caused by the surgical procedure reduced withdrawal symptoms. A study conducted in a hospital in the United States evaluated 650 hospitalized smokers and found a prevalence of 25% of current smoking among inpatients, 55% of the smokers reporting withdrawal symptoms during their hospital stay.1919 Rigotti NA, Arnsten JH, McKool KM, Wood-Reid KM, Pasternak RC, Singer DE. Smoking by patients in a smoke-free hospital: prevalence, predictors, and implications. Prev Med. 2000;31(2 Pt 1):159-66. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695
https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695...
In smoke-free psychiatric hospitals, nearly 50% of hospitalized patients are smokers.2020 Prochaska JJ, Gill P, Hall SM. Treatment of tobacco use in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Psychiatr Serv. 2004;55(11):1265-70. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.55.11.1265
https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.55.11.12...
Emmons & Goldstein55 Emmons KM, Goldstein MG. Smokers who are hospitalized: a window of opportunity for cessation interventions. Prev Med. 1992;21(2):262-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)90024-C
https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)900...
found the prevalence of smoking to be 16% among 304 patients admitted to a cardiovascular disease ward. The reported prevalence of smoking at various hospitals ranges from 12.1% to 34.0%.2121 Oliveira MV, Oliveira TR, Pereira CA, Bonfim AV, Leitão Filho FS, Voss LR. Smoking among hospitalized patients in a general hospital. J Bras Pneumol. 2008;34(11):936-41. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001100008
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713200800...

22 Tanni SE, Iritsu NI, Tani M, Camargo PA, Sampaio MG, Godoy I, et al. Evaluation of hospitalized patients in terms of their knowledge related to smoking. J Bras Pneumol. 2010;36(2):218-23. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132010000200010
https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-3713201000...
-2323 Bösch D. Smoking habits and teachable moment among hospitalized patients admitted to the internal medicine department. Chest Dis Rep. 2012;2(1):e6. https://doi.org/10.4081/cdr.2012.e6
https://doi.org/10.4081/cdr.2012.e6...

Smoking cessation treatment programs for hospitalized patients have been implemented worldwide,2424 Bolliger CT, van Biljon X, Humair JP, El Fehri V, Cornuz J. Promoting hospital-based smoking cessation services at major Swiss hospitals: a before and after study. Swiss Med Wkly. 2008;138(29-30):427-31.,2525 Borglykke A, Pisinger C, Jørgensen T, Ibsen H. The effectiveness of smoking cessation groups offered to hospitalised patients with symptoms of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clin Respir J. 2008;2(3):158-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008.00055.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008...
with significant variation in the rates of success. Studies of different intervention techniques for smoking cessation among hospitalized patients have produced inconsistent, unreliable results.2525 Borglykke A, Pisinger C, Jørgensen T, Ibsen H. The effectiveness of smoking cessation groups offered to hospitalised patients with symptoms of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clin Respir J. 2008;2(3):158-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008.00055.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008...
,2626 Hjalmarson A, Boëthius G. The effectiveness of brief advice and extended smoking cessation counseling programs when implemented routinely in hospitals. Prev Med. 2007;45(2-3):202-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06.014
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06....
In a review of several interventional studies of smoking among hospitalized patients,1717 Munafò M, Rigotti N, Lancaster T, Stead L, Murphy M. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients: a systematic review. Thorax. 2001;56(8):656-63. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656
https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656...
patient follow-up at 30 days after hospital discharge was found to significantly reduce the relapse rate over the subsequent 6 months. This indicates the strategic need to monitor patients after hospital discharge. Hajek et al.2727 Hajek P, Taylor TZ, Mills P. Brief intervention during hospital admission to help patients to give up smoking after myocardial infarction and bypass surgery: randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2002;324(7329):87-9. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7329.87
https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7329.87...
evaluated 540 smokers hospitalized after myocardial infarction or for coronary artery bypass surgery and concluded that a brief intervention during hospitalization was insufficient to prevent relapse. Simon et al.77 Simon JA, Carmody TP, Hudes ES, Snyder E, Murray J. Intensive smoking cessation counseling versus minimal counseling among hospitalized smokers treated with transdermal nicotine replacement: a randomized trial. Am J Med. 2003;114(7):555-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00081-0
https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00...
demonstrated that intensive medical advice during hospitalization, together with use of NRT for 2 months and telephone support after hospital discharge, increased smoking cessation in comparison with minimum in-hospital counseling. Wolfenden et al.2828 Wolfenden L, Campbell E, Walsh R, Wiggers J. Smoking cessation interventions for in-patients: a selective review with recommendations for hospital-based health professionals. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2003;22(4):437-52. https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230310001613967
https://doi.org/10.1080/0959523031000161...
showed that hospital intervention longer than 20 min, followed by at least five telephone calls after discharge, for a minimum of 3 months, is effective to increase smoking cessation rates. In two systematic reviews of studies of smoking cessation interventions in hospitalized patients-published in 2003 and 2007, involving 17 and 33 trials, respectively2929 Rigotti NA, Munafo MR, Murphy MF, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD001837.,3030 Rigotti NA, Munafo MR, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD001837. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD00183...
-the authors concluded that intensive behavioral interventions that begin during a hospital stay and extend for at least 30 days after discharge increase smoking cessation rates. Such interventions are effective regardless of the diagnosis at admission. Brief interventions have not been shown to provide significant benefits from a statistical point of view. Similar results were obtained in smokers admitted to the hospital because of cardiovascular disease. In that subgroup, intensive intervention with support after discharge increased the smoking cessation rate, no such increase being observed after a brief intervention.1919 Rigotti NA, Arnsten JH, McKool KM, Wood-Reid KM, Pasternak RC, Singer DE. Smoking by patients in a smoke-free hospital: prevalence, predictors, and implications. Prev Med. 2000;31(2 Pt 1):159-66. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695
https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695...
An updated review, involving 50 trials and published in 2012,1010 Rigotti NA, Clair C, Munafò MR, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(5):CD001837. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
https://doi.org/...
confirmed those findings and showed that smoking cessation rates were significantly higher after intensive counseling plus NRT than after counseling alone, although there is insufficient evidence to conclude that adding bupropion or varenicline to intensive counseling results in cessation rates that are higher than those achieved with counseling alone. In the present study, the use of an intensive approach with an educational video presentation followed by telephone contact was found to be superior to the brief intervention regarding the relapse rate at 6 months of follow-up.

Relapse is a common event among former smokers. Seventy-five percent of abstinent individuals relapse within the first 12 months, most relapsing within the first 6 months, regardless of the nature of the initial intervention.3131 Agboola S, McNeill A, Coleman T, Leonardi Bee J. A systematic review of the effectiveness of smoking relapse prevention interventions for abstinent smokers. Addiction. 2010;105(8):1362-80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02996.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010...
,3232 Ferguson J, Bauld L, Chesterman J, Judge K. The English smoking treatment services: one-year outcomes. Addiction. 2005;100Suppl 2:59-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01028.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005...
In our study, 48 (59.3%) of the 81 smokers evaluated at 6 months after discharge had relapsed. Of those 48 patients, 38 (79.1%) resumed smoking within the first month after hospital discharge, the relapse rate progressively decreasing over time, similar to what has been reported in other trials.3232 Ferguson J, Bauld L, Chesterman J, Judge K. The English smoking treatment services: one-year outcomes. Addiction. 2005;100Suppl 2:59-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01028.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005...
,3333 Hawkins J, Hollingworth W, Campbell R. Long-term smoking relapse: a study using the British house hold panel survey. Nicotine Tob Res. 2010;12(12):1228-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175...
Hawkins et al.3333 Hawkins J, Hollingworth W, Campbell R. Long-term smoking relapse: a study using the British house hold panel survey. Nicotine Tob Res. 2010;12(12):1228-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175...
showed that the relapse rate decreases in direct proportion to the duration of abstinence, as was also shown by Hughes et al.3434 Hughes JR, Peters EN, Naud S. Relapse to smoking after 1 year of abstinence: a meta-analysis. Addict Behav. 2008;33(12):1516-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.05.012
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.05...
in a meta-analysis of smoking relapse after 12 months of abstinence. These data demonstrate the need for greater support during the first months of smoking abstinence. Goodman et al.3535 Goodman MJ, Nadkarni M, Schorling JB. The Natural History of Smoking Cessation Among Medical Patients in a Smoke-Free Hospital. Subst Abus. 1998;19(2):71-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897079809511376
https://doi.org/10.1080/0889707980951137...
reviewed the history of smoking cessation during hospitalization in a smoke-free hospital and showed that only 7% of patients remained abstinent from smoking at 6 months after discharge. Among the patients who relapsed in that study, 45% did so on the first day after discharge.

The potential predictors of smoking relapse vary among treatment centers. In the present study, only the degree of craving was found to be an independent predictor of relapse, which differs from the findings of previous studies.3333 Hawkins J, Hollingworth W, Campbell R. Long-term smoking relapse: a study using the British house hold panel survey. Nicotine Tob Res. 2010;12(12):1228-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175...
,3636 Wetter DW, Cofta-Gun L, Fouladi RT, Cinciprini PM, Sui D, Gritz ER. Late relapse/sustained abstinence among former smokers: a longitudinal study. Prev Med. 2004;39(6):1156-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.028
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04....

37 Gilpin EA, Pierce JP, Farkas AJ. Duration of smoking abstinence and success in quitting. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997;89(8):572-6. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.8.572
https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.8.572...
-3838 Fernández E, Schiaffino A, Borrell C, Benach J, Ariza C, Ramon JM, et al. Social class, education, and smoking cessation: Long-term follow-up of patients treated at a smoking cessation unit. Nicotine Tob Res. 2006;8(1):29-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200500264432
https://doi.org/10.1080/1462220050026443...

Knowledge of long-term abstinence rates after hospital discharge is extremely important for evaluating the effectiveness of inpatient treatments. In the present study, the abstinence rate among the patients evaluated at 6 months after discharge was 40.7%, higher than that reported in the literature.3131 Agboola S, McNeill A, Coleman T, Leonardi Bee J. A systematic review of the effectiveness of smoking relapse prevention interventions for abstinent smokers. Addiction. 2010;105(8):1362-80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02996.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010...

32 Ferguson J, Bauld L, Chesterman J, Judge K. The English smoking treatment services: one-year outcomes. Addiction. 2005;100Suppl 2:59-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01028.x
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005...
-3333 Hawkins J, Hollingworth W, Campbell R. Long-term smoking relapse: a study using the British house hold panel survey. Nicotine Tob Res. 2010;12(12):1228-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175...

Here, we have presented a cognitive behavioral therapy-based technique that is easily accessible and inexpensive. This intervention, which can be applied by doctors and other health professionals, proved to be effective in reducing long-term relapse rates. Because craving at admission was the main predictor of relapse, the technique could be complemented with medication (NRT, bupropion, or varenicline) or treatment for the comorbid psychiatric disorders emerging with abstinence, on an individual and selective basis.

REFERENCES

  • 1
    Ockene IS, Miller NH. Cigarette smoking, cardiovascular disease, and stroke: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association. American Heart Association Task Force on Risk Reduction. Circulation. 1997;96(9):3243-7. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.96.9.3243
    » https://doi.org/10.1161/01.CIR.96.9.3243
  • 2
    Juster HR, Loomis BR, Hinman TM, Farrelly MC, Hyland A, Bauer UE, et al. Declines in hospital admissions for acute myocardial infarction in New York state after implementation of a comprehensive smoking ban. Am J Public Health. 2007;97(11):2035-9. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.099994
    » https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2006.099994
  • 3
    Mohiuddin SM, Moos AN, Hunter CB, Grollmes TL, Cloutier DA, Hilleman DE. Intensive smoking cessation intervention reduces mortality in high-risk smokers with cardiovascular disease. Chest. 2007;131(2):446-52. https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587
    » https://doi.org/10.1378/chest.06-1587
  • 4
    Reichert J, Araújo AJ, Gonçalves CM, Godoy I, Chatkin JM, Sales MP, et al. Smoking cessation guidelines--2008. J Bras Pneumol. 2008;34(10):845-80. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001000014
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001000014
  • 5
    Emmons KM, Goldstein MG. Smokers who are hospitalized: a window of opportunity for cessation interventions. Prev Med. 1992;21(2):262-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)90024-C
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/0091-7435(92)90024-C
  • 6
    Molyneux A, Lewis S, Leivers U, Anderton A, Antoniak M, Brackenridge A, et al. Clinical trial comparing nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) plus brief counselling, brief counselling alone, and minimal intervention on smoking cessation in hospital inpatients. Thorax. 2003;58(6):484-8. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.58.6.484
    » https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.58.6.484
  • 7
    Simon JA, Carmody TP, Hudes ES, Snyder E, Murray J. Intensive smoking cessation counseling versus minimal counseling among hospitalized smokers treated with transdermal nicotine replacement: a randomized trial. Am J Med. 2003;114(7):555-62. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00081-0
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/S0002-9343(03)00081-0
  • 8
    Rigotti NA, Arnsten JH, McKool KM, Wood-Reid KM, Singer DE, Pasternak RC. The use of nicotine-replacement therapy by hospitalized smokers. Am J Prev Med. 1999;17(4):255-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00095-1
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/S0749-3797(99)00095-1
  • 9
    Le Foll B, George TP. Treatment of tobacco dependence: integrating recent progress into practice. CMAJ. 2007;177(11):1373-80. https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070627
    » https://doi.org/10.1503/cmaj.070627
  • 10
    Rigotti NA, Clair C, Munafò MR, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;(5):CD001837. https://doi.org/ 10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
    » https://doi.org/
  • 11
    Stramari LM, Kurtz M, Silva LC. Prevalence of and variables related to smoking among medical students at a university in the city of Passo Fundo, Brazil. J Bras Pneumol. 2009;35(5):442-8. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132009000500009
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132009000500009
  • 12
    Fagerstrom KO, Schneider NG. Measuring nicotine dependence: a review of the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire. J Behav Med. 1989;12(2):159-82. https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846549
    » https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00846549
  • 13
    Araujo RB, Oliveira MS, Moraes JF, Pedroso RS, Port F, De Castro MG. Validation of the Brazilian version of Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief. Rev Psiq Clin. 2007;34(4):166-75. https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832007000400002
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S0101-60832007000400002
  • 14
    Mayfield D, McLeod G, Hall P. The CAGE questionnaire: validation of a new alcoholism screening instrument. Am J Psychiatry. 1974;131(10):1121-3.
  • 15
    Stelmach R, Fernandes FL, Carvalho-Pinto RM, Athanazio RA, Rached SZ, Prado GF, et al. Comparison between objective measures of smoking and self-reported smoking status in patients with asthma or COPD: are our patients telling us the truth? J Bras Pneumol. 2015;(2):124-32. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132015000004526
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132015000004526
  • 16
    Ferreira ÂS, Campos AC, dos Santos IP, Beserra MR, Silva EN, Fonseca VA. Smoking among inpatients at a university hospital. J Bras Pneumol. 2011;37(4):488-94. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132011000400011
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132011000400011
  • 17
    Munafò M, Rigotti N, Lancaster T, Stead L, Murphy M. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients: a systematic review. Thorax. 2001;56(8):656-63. https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656
    » https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.8.656
  • 18
    Warner DO, Patten CA, Ames SC, Offord K, Schroeder D. Smoking behavior and perceived stress in cigarette smokers undergoing elective surgery. Anesthesiology. 2004;100(5):1125-37. https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-200405000-00014
    » https://doi.org/10.1097/00000542-200405000-00014
  • 19
    Rigotti NA, Arnsten JH, McKool KM, Wood-Reid KM, Pasternak RC, Singer DE. Smoking by patients in a smoke-free hospital: prevalence, predictors, and implications. Prev Med. 2000;31(2 Pt 1):159-66. https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695
    » https://doi.org/10.1006/pmed.2000.0695
  • 20
    Prochaska JJ, Gill P, Hall SM. Treatment of tobacco use in an inpatient psychiatric setting. Psychiatr Serv. 2004;55(11):1265-70. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.55.11.1265
    » https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ps.55.11.1265
  • 21
    Oliveira MV, Oliveira TR, Pereira CA, Bonfim AV, Leitão Filho FS, Voss LR. Smoking among hospitalized patients in a general hospital. J Bras Pneumol. 2008;34(11):936-41. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001100008
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132008001100008
  • 22
    Tanni SE, Iritsu NI, Tani M, Camargo PA, Sampaio MG, Godoy I, et al. Evaluation of hospitalized patients in terms of their knowledge related to smoking. J Bras Pneumol. 2010;36(2):218-23. https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132010000200010
    » https://doi.org/10.1590/S1806-37132010000200010
  • 23
    Bösch D. Smoking habits and teachable moment among hospitalized patients admitted to the internal medicine department. Chest Dis Rep. 2012;2(1):e6. https://doi.org/10.4081/cdr.2012.e6
    » https://doi.org/10.4081/cdr.2012.e6
  • 24
    Bolliger CT, van Biljon X, Humair JP, El Fehri V, Cornuz J. Promoting hospital-based smoking cessation services at major Swiss hospitals: a before and after study. Swiss Med Wkly. 2008;138(29-30):427-31.
  • 25
    Borglykke A, Pisinger C, Jørgensen T, Ibsen H. The effectiveness of smoking cessation groups offered to hospitalised patients with symptoms of exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Clin Respir J. 2008;2(3):158-65. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008.00055.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1752-699X.2008.00055.x
  • 26
    Hjalmarson A, Boëthius G. The effectiveness of brief advice and extended smoking cessation counseling programs when implemented routinely in hospitals. Prev Med. 2007;45(2-3):202-7. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06.014
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2007.06.014
  • 27
    Hajek P, Taylor TZ, Mills P. Brief intervention during hospital admission to help patients to give up smoking after myocardial infarction and bypass surgery: randomized controlled trial. BMJ. 2002;324(7329):87-9. https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7329.87
    » https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj.324.7329.87
  • 28
    Wolfenden L, Campbell E, Walsh R, Wiggers J. Smoking cessation interventions for in-patients: a selective review with recommendations for hospital-based health professionals. Drug Alcohol Rev. 2003;22(4):437-52. https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230310001613967
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/09595230310001613967
  • 29
    Rigotti NA, Munafo MR, Murphy MF, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2003;(1):CD001837.
  • 30
    Rigotti NA, Munafo MR, Stead LF. Interventions for smoking cessation in hospitalized patients. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007;(3):CD001837. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
    » https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD001837.pub2
  • 31
    Agboola S, McNeill A, Coleman T, Leonardi Bee J. A systematic review of the effectiveness of smoking relapse prevention interventions for abstinent smokers. Addiction. 2010;105(8):1362-80. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02996.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2010.02996.x
  • 32
    Ferguson J, Bauld L, Chesterman J, Judge K. The English smoking treatment services: one-year outcomes. Addiction. 2005;100Suppl 2:59-69. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01028.x
    » https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1360-0443.2005.01028.x
  • 33
    Hawkins J, Hollingworth W, Campbell R. Long-term smoking relapse: a study using the British house hold panel survey. Nicotine Tob Res. 2010;12(12):1228-35. https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntq175
  • 34
    Hughes JR, Peters EN, Naud S. Relapse to smoking after 1 year of abstinence: a meta-analysis. Addict Behav. 2008;33(12):1516-20. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.05.012
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addbeh.2008.05.012
  • 35
    Goodman MJ, Nadkarni M, Schorling JB. The Natural History of Smoking Cessation Among Medical Patients in a Smoke-Free Hospital. Subst Abus. 1998;19(2):71-79. https://doi.org/10.1080/08897079809511376
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/08897079809511376
  • 36
    Wetter DW, Cofta-Gun L, Fouladi RT, Cinciprini PM, Sui D, Gritz ER. Late relapse/sustained abstinence among former smokers: a longitudinal study. Prev Med. 2004;39(6):1156-63. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.028
    » https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ypmed.2004.04.028
  • 37
    Gilpin EA, Pierce JP, Farkas AJ. Duration of smoking abstinence and success in quitting. J Natl Cancer Inst. 1997;89(8):572-6. https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.8.572
    » https://doi.org/10.1093/jnci/89.8.572
  • 38
    Fernández E, Schiaffino A, Borrell C, Benach J, Ariza C, Ramon JM, et al. Social class, education, and smoking cessation: Long-term follow-up of patients treated at a smoking cessation unit. Nicotine Tob Res. 2006;8(1):29-36. https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200500264432
    » https://doi.org/10.1080/14622200500264432
  • 1
    Study carried out at the Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, Universidade Federal Fluminense - UFF - Niterói (RJ) Brasil.
  • Financial support:

    None.

Publication Dates

  • Publication in this collection
    May-Jun 2018

History

  • Received
    22 Nov 2017
  • Accepted
    26 Mar 2018
Sociedade Brasileira de Pneumologia e Tisiologia SCS Quadra 1, Bl. K salas 203/204, 70398-900 - Brasília - DF - Brasil, Fone/Fax: 0800 61 6218 ramal 211, (55 61)3245-1030/6218 ramal 211 - São Paulo - SP - Brazil
E-mail: jbp@sbpt.org.br