Prediction of smoking cessation based on severity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome

Introduction: Smoking cessation at any age is the most effective way to reduce disease
progression especially in pulmonary disorders (COPD). Understanding the barriers against
successful quit can increase efficacy of smoking cessation programs. It seems that one of the
barriers is the experience of nicotine withdrawal syndrome. In this study we evaluated the
relationship between successful cessation and intensity of the syndrome
Methods: It is a cross sectional study. During one month period, all the volunteers who
stoped smoking and were using nicotine gum, were investigated under supervision of a
physician. At the end of the second week of smoking quit, the intensity of nicotine
withdrawal syndrome was evaluated by using Minnesota test. To evaluate the relationship
between intensity of nicotine withdrawal syndrome with the quit rate, Chi-Square test was
used.
Results: 298 participants were studied. 67.8% were male. At the end of the course. 45%
were successful and 11% decreased cigarette smoking. 43.3% didn’t finish the course. The
success rate with high intensity of anxiety, restlessness, craving and depression were 66.7%,
62.5%, 80.3% and 57.7% respectively. The success rate with low intensity of mentioned
syndromes were 88%, 88.5%, 93.1% and 90.4% respectively (P=0.002).
Conclusion: There was statistical relationship between the intensity of nicotine withdrawal
symptoms (irritability, depression, restlessness, craving) and successful cessation. So, we
should prevent and control this syndrome to enhance the rate successful rate cessation
among the volunteers.