The Effect of Demographic Characteristics, Psychological Traits, and Smoking Cessation Treatments on Smoking Cessation Success

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of demographic factors, psychological profiles, and treatment modalities on smoking cessation outcomes.
METHODS: A total of 181 patients who completed a 3-month follow-up at a smoking cessation clinic were included. Data collected comprised demographic characteristics, psychological assessments (General Self-Efficacy Scale [GSES], Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale [HADS], and Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence [FTDN]), and treatment approaches, including nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), bupropion, varenicline, and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
RESULTS: Successful cessation was defined as continuous abstinence during follow-up. No significant association was found between cessation success and age, gender, smoking history, or motivation to quit. However, higher education levels and the absence of chronic illness were positively associated with success. Patients with chronic diseases exhibited lower GSES scores. Pharmacological treatments were more effective than CBT alone. Among pharmacological options, varenicline and NRT yielded higher success rates than bupropion, with no significant difference between varenicline and NRT. A negative correlation was observed between GSES and HADS scores.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Educational attainment, absence of chronic illness, and pharmacological treatment were associated with higher smoking cessation success. Chronic diseases appear to reduce self-efficacy, and increased anxiety and depression may negatively impact cessation outcomes.

Keywords: Bupropion, cigarette smoking, self-efficacy, smoking cessation agents, smoking cessation, varenicline.