Effect of cost on the self-administration and efficacy of nicotine gum: a preliminary study.
METHODS. One hundred six smokers seen in a family practice received brief physician advice and a prescription for nicotine gum. Smokers were randomly assigned to pay $20, $6, or $0/box of nicotine gum and followed for 6 months. RESULTS. Decreased cost increased the incidence of obtaining gum, the amount of gum used, and the incidence of long-term use (P less than 0.05). Decreased cost also increased cessation attempts and 1-week cessation (P less than 0.05) and appeared to increase abstinence at 6-month follow-up (19% vs 6% vs 8%, P less than 0.10). Cost-benefit estimates suggest that an insurance plan, HMO, etc., would recoup any costs in subsidizing nicotine gum and perhaps incur a net financial gain.
Hughes
J R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, University of Vermont, Burlington 05401.
Wadland
W C
WC
Fenwick
J W
JW
Lewis
J
J
Bickel
W K
WK
D000328:Adult; D002638:Chewing Gum; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003365:Costs and Cost Analysis; D005260:Female; D006279:Health Maintenance Organizations / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D007182:Income; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010349:Patient Compliance; D012646:Self Administration; D012907:Smoking / Q000191:economics; D000074606:Smoking Prevention
D002638:Chewing Gum; D009538:Nicotine