Meta-analysis of the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy for smoking cessation: differences between men and women.
Gender differences in the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapies (NRTs) were examined in a meta-analytical review of 90 effect sizes obtained from a sample of 21 double-blind, placebo-controlled randomized studies. Although NRT was more effective for men than placebo at 3-month, 6-month, and 12-month follow-ups, the benefits of NRT for women were clearly evident only at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Giving NRT in conjunction with high-intensity nonpharmacological support was more important for women than men. That is, NRT and low support were efficacious for women at only short-term follow-up, and men benefited from NRT at all the follow-ups regardless of the intensity of the adjunct support. The results suggest that long-term maintenance of NRT treatment gains decrease more rapidly for women than men.
Cepeda-Benito
Antonio
A
Department of Psychology, Texas A and M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA. acb@tamu.edu
Reynoso
Jose T
JT
Erath
Stephen
S
D000328:Adult; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009538:Nicotine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000628:therapy*
D009538:Nicotine