Predictors of nicotine withdrawal symptoms: findings from the first randomized smoking cessation trial in a low-income country setting
Abstract
Objectives: To identify predictors of nicotine withdrawal symptoms among smokers who participated in a randomized cessation trial in a low-income country. Methods: We analyzed data from 269 smokers who participated in a randomized, placebo-controlled smoking cessation trial conducted in primary healthcare in Aleppo, Syria. All participants received behavioral counseling and were randomized to receive either 6 weeks of nicotine or placebo patch and were followed for one year. Results: Throughout the study, lower total withdrawal score was associated with greater education (p = 0.044), older age of smoking initiation (p = 0.017), lower nicotine dependence (p = 0.024), higher confidence in ability to quit (p = 0.020), lower reported depression (p < 0.001), higher adherence to patch (p = 0.026), belief of receiving nicotine patches rather than placebo (p = 0.011), and waterpipe use (p = 0.047). Conclusions: Lower nicotine dependence, greater educational attainment, higher confidence in ability to quit and waterpipe use predict lower withdrawal severity. Waterpipe smoking may serve as a barrier to smoking cessation efforts in countries where its use is highly prevalent. Further, expectancies about the effects of pharmacotherapy appear to mediate the experience of nicotine withdrawal.
Publication Title
International Journal of Public Health
Recommended Citation
Ben Taleb, Z., Ward, K., Asfar, T., Jaber, R., Auf, R., & Maziak, W. (2016). Predictors of nicotine withdrawal symptoms: findings from the first randomized smoking cessation trial in a low-income country setting. International Journal of Public Health, 61 (6), 701-708. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00038-016-0818-8
