Only 48% of people trying to quit smoking receive medical advice
Last reviewed: 16.10.2021
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Although 68.8% of American adults want to quit smoking, very few people manage to do it successfully, according to a new report published in the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report (MMWR), CDC (Center for Disease Control and Prevention). The authors found that 52.4% of heavy smokers tried to quit smoking themselves for a while for 12 months and only 31.7% sought professional help and treatment.
The number of people who tried to quit during 2001-2010, increased among smokers aged 25 to 64 years, and decreased among the elderly. In view of the apparent difficulty of completely quitting smoking, the authors believe that health workers should conduct brief consultations with smokers on cessation of smoking during each visit to the doctor. Those who want to quit should definitely offer treatment and counseling.
The percentage of smokers aged ≥ 18 years who tried to quit smoking last year. National Health Interview Survey, USA, 2001 - 2010 MMWR
Of all the smokers interviewed, only 48.3% of those trying to get rid of the bad habit said they received a high-quality medical consultation on how to successfully quit smoking. According to the report, doctors and nurses are more likely to advise smoking women and smokers of both sexes over the age of 65.
The list of methods that smokers used to quit smoking according to the report is as follows:
- 30% used the drugs:
- 14.6% - nicotine patch
- 11.2% - varenicline
- 8.9% - nicotine chewing gum
- 3,2% - bupropion
- 1% - nicotine in the form of a spray or inhaler
- 5.9% received consultations:
- 3.1% - Phone service for those who want to quit smoking Quitline
- 2.6% - Individual consultation with a doctor
- 2.4% - Group counseling
Women more often resorted to drug treatment from nicotine addiction and consulted with doctors than men.
Researchers in their report used data for 2001-2010. National Health Interview (NSMS).