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.
Smoking Cessation Intervention Program, Syrian Center for Tobacco Studies, Aleppo, Syria.
Taghrid
T
Asfar
Mark Vander
MV
Weg
Wasim
W
Maziak
Fadi
F
Hammal
Thomas
T
Eissenberg
Kenneth D
KD
Ward
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*