BACKGROUND/AIMS

The aim of this study was to determine the effects of supplemental monitoring and counseling in addition to the standard monitoring during the treatment period on the abstinence behavior of smoking cessation center applicants.

MATERIAL and METHODS

The randomized controlled study was conducted in the smoking cessation clinic as an intervention study. The study involved 67 participants. Data collection was implemented using the Descriptive Questions Form, Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, Carbon Monoxide Monitoring Chart, and Self-Efficacy Questionnaire. After routine standard training and tests at the smoking cessation center, a total of six supplemental interviews were conducted in the intervention group by one of the researchers; these interviews were conducted one week before smoking cessation and one week and one, two, three, and six months after quitting. Two interviews were conducted in the control group for evaluation: one week before and six months after quitting.

RESULTS

After six months, 88.2% of the intervention group and 60.6% of the control group had stopped smoking. A statistically meaningful difference was found between the intervention and the control groups in terms of attending the standard monitoring. In the last interview, the self-efficacy score of the intervention group was significantly higher than that in the control group. Compared to the control group, the intervention group was 1.5 times more successful in smoking cessation at the end of the sixth month.

CONCLUSION

Those successful in smoking cessation must be monitored in frequent follow-ups simultaneously supported by physicians, nurses, and other health-care providers.

Keywords: Abstinence, counseling, monitoring, nursing, quit smoking