Outcomes and adherence in Syria's first smoking cessation trial.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the feasibility of implementing cessation interventions in Syria.


METHODS
We randomized 50 smokers to either a brief or intensive behavioral cessation intervention. Adherence to treatment and cessation through 3 months postcessation were calculated.


RESULTS
Adherence in the intensive group was only moderate and was associated with smoking for more years and higher self-efficacy. Cessation rates in the brief and intensive intervention groups were 16% and 4%, respectively. Nicotine dependence predicted abstinence at 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
Important barriers to cessation included perceived dependence, lack of access to pharmacotherapy, poor social support, and water pipe smoking.
Asfar
Taghrid
T
Smoking Cessation Intervention Program, Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies, Aleppo, Syria.
Weg
Mark Vander
MV
Maziak
Wasim
W
Hammal
Fadi
F
Eissenberg
Thomas
T
Ward
Kenneth D
KD
D000328:Adult; D003906:Developing Countries; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006266:Health Education; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020377:Self Efficacy; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology; D013593:Syria; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*