According to the results of a clinical trial at Queen Mary University of London, e-cigarettes were more effective than nicotine replacement therapy in achieving long-term reduction and cessation of smoking.
Approximately 80% of smokers who received the intensive treatment continued to smoke after one year. Smokers can benefit from ways to reduce the harms of smoking without stopping nicotine use, and can choose to stop using nicotine later. Nicotine replacement therapies (NRT) such as nicotine patches, chewing gum, nasal/oral sprays and inhalers have been approved for this method for more than 30 years. They are effective, especially when behavioral support is also provided, but are generally effective.
In the first study of its kind, researchers recruited 135 smokers who were unable to quit through conventional treatment. They were randomly assigned to receive an 8-week supply of their choice of NRT or an e-cigarette starter pack with instructions to purchase more e-cigarette oil of their own choice of strength and flavor. The products were accompanied by minimal behavioral support for smoking cessation.
The results, published in the journal Addiction , found significant differences in smoking reduction (including complete cessation) in the e-cigarette group. After six months, 27% of participants in the e-cigarette group had reduced their smoking by at least half, compared to 6% in the NRT group. Carbon monoxide readings in participants' breath confirmed that there was also a significant difference in complete abstinence rates - 19% of participants in the e-cigarette group quit compared to 3% in the NRT group.
The results suggest that recommending a refillable e-cigarette with an e-liquid strength and flavor of the patient's choice is more effective than prescribing NRT for dependent smokers. The cost of an e-cigarette starter pack is also much lower than NRT.
Dr. Katie Myers Smith, principal investigator and health psychologist from Queen Mary University of London, said, "These results have important clinical implications for smokers who were previously unable to quit with conventional treatment. E-cigarettes should be recommended to smokers who have previously struggled to quit using other methods, particularly where behavioural support is limited."
Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)
whatsapp:+8617776659258
e-mail:LuenH1ng1203@gmail.com