Analysis of patients applying to a smoking cessation clinic established in a university hospital

Introduction and Aim: Smoking addiction is a serious public health problem that is one of the leading preventable causes of death and affects all age groups. Our study aimed to examine the patient records of a smoking cessation clinic affiliated to a university hospital. Materials and methods: Our study is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. Age, gender, occupation, chronic disease status, treatments given, smoking histories, and Fagerstrom scores of patients who applied to the smoking cessation clinic affiliated to SAMÜ SEAH between August 01, 2020 and August 31, 2024 were obtained using the hospital automation system without sharing their personal information. The data were analyzed using the SPSS package program. Results: A total of 432 patients were included in the study. Smoking cessation data could be accessed for 399 of the patients. 63.66% of the patients (n=275) were male. The mean age of the patients included in the study was 44.69±12.05, and the median age was 44 (18-75). 81.21% (n=350) of the patients were married, 43.06% (n=186) had higher education, 34.03% (n=146) were alcohol users, and 44.08% (n=190) had chronic diseases. The mean Fagerstrom score of the patients was calculated as 5.66±2.43. The patients were interviewed an average of 2.21±1.28 times per person. The mean duration of smoking of the patients was calculated as 27.38±16.57 packs/year. Combined treatment was started for 35.19% (n=152) of the patients. Bupropion and NRT combination was started for 88.15% (n=134) of the patients as combined treatment. Of the 399 patients with known treatment results, 54.39% (n=217) quit smoking for at least 1 month. Of the 399 patients with known treatment results, 34.09% (n=136) quit smoking. While the Fagerstrom score of the patients who quit smoking was significantly lower than those who could not quit (p=0.024), the number of interviews per person with the patients (p<0.001) was significantly higher. The rate of other smokers at home was found to be lower in patients who quit smoking than in those who could not quit (p=0.003). Conclusion: It was observed that approximately one third of the patients quit smoking. The smoking cessation rate of patients who used combined treatment was found to be higher than other treatment options. Keywords: Bupropion, NRT, Smoking Cessation, Cytisine, Varenicline