Exploration of characteristics and withdrawal factors from smoking cessation programme among quit smoking clinic attendees in Malaysia / Zakiah Mohd Noordin

The combination of pharmacologic treatment and counselling intervention by health
professionals in smoking cessation programme leads to highest quit rate. However, poor
adherence to cessation treatment is common due to several factors. Thus, in this study we
examined characteristics of quit smoking clinic (QSC) attendees, predictors for smoking
cessation outcome and withdrawal factors from cessation programme. We also further analysed
if adverse drug reaction (ADR) is a concern for withdrawal from QSC. A retrospective study
was conducted at four QSCs in Kuala Lumpur. Convenient sample of 285 smokers attended
QSC between January 2016 to December 2018 was enrolled and categorized into two quit
smoking status; successfully achieved 6-month abstinence and failed to achieve 6-month
abstinence. Information on socio-demographics, smoking history, pharmacotherapy agent
prescribed, and ADRs were collected from smoker's medical records and statistically analysed
for comparison. Following that, a sample of fifteen active smokers who have defaulted from
QSC was selected using purposive sampling and interviewed via telephone and face-to-face
interview on their smoking cessation experience. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed
and analysed using thematic analysis. Our study found frequency of visits to QSC as significant
independent predictor for smoking cessation outcome (OR=l.l 1 95% CI 1.01-1.23, p=0.034).
The primary barriers to QSCs commitment reported were smoker's intrinsic and extrinsic
influences particularly work commitment, healthcare professional's skills and attitude and
effectiveness of pharmacotherapy prescribed. Based on our findings, majority of QSC
attendees comprised of working adults and working commitment was highlighted as primary
barrier for a successful cessation, this emphasized the need for effective intervention and
collaborative effort between healthcare facilities and employers to optimize adherence among
this group of smokers in smoking cessation programme which subsequently will enhance their
quitting rates.