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

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.

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

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.

Changes in rheological properties of blood in smoking women of fertile age

The interrelation of Smoking and changes of rheological properties of blood of women of fertile age is studied and established. On the basis of the Samara city polyclinic, the results of blood parameters were studied in 107 smokers and 136 non-smokers of fertile age, observed in the women’s clinic. The study found that Smoking helps to reduce blood clotting time, increase the number of red blood cells, blood hemoglobin. Under the influence of Smoking increases blood coagulating activity. Cessation of Smoking causes a decrease in hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration. Active detection of Smoking adolescents, as well as Smoking relatives in the family, preventive measures, including the organization of schools for the treatment of tobacco dependence, will significantly reduce the likelihood of severe chronic multiple organ disease.

Treatment of Tobacco Dependence Syndrome in Cancer Patients

Background: The treatment of tobacco dependence is still not included in routine cancer care in Poland. We have developed a comprehensive program aimed at introducing tobacco dependence treatment as a standard procedure of cancer treatment. The pilot program was implemented in 2015 in two Polish cities: in Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute - Oncology Center in Warsaw and in Oncology Centre in Bialystok. After two years we started follow-up of the program. Aim: To present the results of conducted follow-up study of the treatment of tobacco dependence pilot program in Poland. Methods: The pilot smoking cessation program was implemented in 2015. Tobacco dependent patients treated in the Maria Sklodowska-Curie Institute- Oncology Center in Warsaw and Oncology Center in Bialystok participated in course of medical and psychological counseling in smoking cessation clinic and through telephone support sessions. After two years we have conducted follow-up. We reached follow-up rate of 77%. Followed-up patients were asked about behavioral changes concerning smoking and main motivation to quit smoking. The data concerning smoking cessation were collected during telephone sessions. Based on that we analyzed indicators of treatment effectiveness. Results: In pilot program 87% of participating patients implemented a behavioral change, 70% of participating patients made a quit attempt, 55% reduced smoking, and 35% stopped smoking completely after intervention. After two years 30% of participating patients are not smoking and 40% reduced smoking. 85% of patients, who have maintained the behavioral change have used a pharmacological treatment and participated in all of available procedures (medical advices, psychological counseling sessions and telephone support sessions). As main motivation for quitting, 90% patients declared state of health (including cancer diagnosis) and pressure of family members (65%). Conclusion: High percentage of cancer patients who have reduced the number of smoked cigarettes or stopped smoking indicates that specialist support increases chance to make positive behavioral changes, or even stop smoking completely. The results of the study show that cancer diagnoses can be a very teachable moment, and it is recommended that health care providers use this opportunity and offer smoking cessation help to their patients.