A Review of Smoking Cessation Interventions for Smokers Aged 50 and Older.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Posted by: Natalia Gromov
Zbikowski SM,
Magnusson B, Pockey JR, Tindle HA, Weaver KE. Maturitas 71 (2012): 131–
141.
The authors conducted a systematic review of
randomized controlled trials of cessation interventions with smokers aged 50 and
older. Thirteen articles met eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review.
Nearly all the treatments combined counseling with other strategies. Eight
provided medications for smoking cessation. Nine of the 13 reported a
significant effect of the intervention at one or more time points, with three
studies reporting treatment effects that sustained at 12 months or longer. In
general, more intensive interventions and those with combined approaches
including medications and follow-up counseling achieved the best outcomes. The
authors conclude that while quit rates and relative effectiveness of the
interventions included in this study were consistent with the general smoking
cessation literature, most treatment effects were short-term, and absolute quit
rates were low, "leaving the vast majority of older smokers at high risk for
smoking-related health conditions.” The authors also call for more research on
interventions tailored for older smokers.
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