Impact of educational level in smoking cessation

Le résumé fourni par la source

Introduction: According to literature patients with lower education have a higher smoking prevalence and lower cessation rates. However, there are lack of studies among Portuguese population. Objectives: To access in which way educational level may contribute to the failure of a smoking cessation program. Methods: Retrospective study conducted among patients who attended the smoking cessation program of a central hospital between 2012 and 2017. Medical records were reviewed to collect data on demographic characteristics, educational level, age of smoking initiation, nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Test), mood disorders(hospital anxiety and depression scale), success in quit smoking, motivation to quit smoking(Richmond test)and previous attempts to quit smoking. The sample was divided into two groups: lower education(less than high school)and higher education(high school, college and beyond). Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the differences between the groups. Results: 656 participants enrolled the study;mean age 51.5 years;52% men.45% had low education level. Patients with lower education had higher nicotine dependence(21%vs19%, p<0.01), higher depression levels(mean depression score: 7.32vs5.69, p<0.01), less previous attempts to quit(32% vs 43%, p<0.05)and lower smoking cessation rate(23% vs 32%, p<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences on motivation to quit smoking, anxiety level and age of smoking initiation. Conclusion: In our smoking cessation program patients with lower educational levels were less successful in quitting smoking. These patients have higher nicotine dependence and depression levels and are likely to need more intensive and multidisciplinary support in order to be successful in their attempts to quit.

Ce résumé expose les affirmations des auteurs. BNTIC ne l’interprète pas comme une validation indépendante des résultats.