The effect of individual counseling, line follow- up, and free nicotine replacement therapy on smoking cessation in the samples of Iranian smokers: Examination of trans theoretical model

Abstract

• Background: According to transtheoretical model (TTM), Stage matched interventions are more effective in quitting. The objective of current study was to investigate the effect of individual counselling, line follow-up, and free nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on smoking cessation in smokers who are in preparation stage of smoking.
• Materials and Methods: In a randomized clinical trial design, through sending the short message system, potential participants in preparation stage of smoking were recruited and divided into control (n = 60)and treatment (n = 50)groups. The treatment group received an in-person counselling, line follow-up, and free NRT. TTM variables trend; prosand cons of smoking, behavioural and experiential processes, temptation, were assessed at baseline, 3 and 6 months follow-up along with point prevalence and continuous abstinence.
• Results: Continuous abstinence at 6-month follow-up were 3.3%(n = 2) in control group and 46%(n = 23) in the treatment group (x² = 34.041, P< 0.001). Time× group analyses indicated that except cons of smoking(P> 0.05), all TTM constructs had significantly changed; temptation (F= 36.864, P< 0.001), pros (F = 12.172, P< 0.001), experiential processes (F = 3.377, P< 0.001),and behavioural processes(F = 11.131, P< 0.001).
• Conclusion: Interventions based on TTM variables increased the quite rate in prepared and motivated people. Our findings suggest that interventions through individual counselling along with free NRT and line follow-up in people who prepare for quitting are beneficial for our country.
• Keywords: Counselling, experiential and behavioural processes, line follow-up, nicotine replacement therapy, pros and cons, quite rate, self-efficacy, smoking cessation intervention