Does the Number of Free Nicotine Patches Given to Smokers Calling a Quitline Influence Quit Rates
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Cummings
KM, Fix BV, Celestino P, Hyland A, Mahoney M, Ossip DJ, Bauer U.
BMC Public Health. 2010 Apr 7;10:181.
This study examined the impact of the provision of 2-, 4-, 6-, or 8-week
supplies of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) on quit rates at 12 months after
registration for telephone counseling. Quit rates measured at 12 months were
higher for smokers in the groups who received either 2, 6, or 8 weeks of free
nicotine patches. The lowest quit rate was obtained among the group of
Medicaid/uninsured smokers who were eligible to receive up to six weeks of free
patches. The quit rate for the 4-week supply group did not differ significantly
from the 6-week or 8-week groups. The authors concluded that there was no clear
dose response relationship between amount of free patches and cessation
outcomes. They note that baseline differences in the characteristics of the
groups compared could account for the lack of significant findings, and that
additional study is needed.
|
|
Email to a Friend