Abstract

SANDI, Luis Edo.; DIAZ, Alicia  and  MOLINA, Darío. Resultados de un programa integral para dejar de fumar. Rev. costarric. cienc. méd [online]. 1998, vol.19, n.1-2, pp.57-70. ISSN 0253-2948.

An experimental study was conducted to determine the efficacy of nicotine patches as part of a therapy to quit smoking. Ninety two smokers were randomly assigned to 2 groups: experimental and control. Both groups received the same behavioral modification program to quit smoking, in addition, besides, the experimental group was given nicotine patches during 15 days, while the control group received placebo. The groups were quite similar in regard to sociodemographic and addictive characteristics. The results showed that a greater proportion of participants from the experimental group achieved abstinence during 6 months, this difference was statistically significant. Other findings are discussed, among them, the indicators of chemical dependence in smokers, the reasons why they smoke and the need of implementing multi-component treatments to archieve greater efficacy.

Keywords : Nicotine; dependence; treatment-; smoking.