Quitting smoking overnight 'better than cutting down gradually'

Conclusion This was a well-designed randomised controlled trial which aimed to assess whether the best method to stop smoking is by gradual reduction or an abrupt stop. Researchers found more people in the abrupt-cessation group continued to abstain from smoking at four weeks and six months, compared with those who gradually reduced smoking. The trial's strengths include the design, methods and analysis used. The researchers have made attempts to minimise the risk of bias, where possible. The population sample is large, which allows for greater certainty that the findings are not purely down to chance. The follow-up period of six months allowed researchers to assess the longer-term effect of cessation methods. As the authors state, limitations are that the sample is not representative of the UK's ethnic mix, as non-white groups formed only 6% of the trial population. This trial addresses a major public health issue. There has been a large amount of research designed to find the best and most effective methods of smoking cessation, particularly longer-term methods. The idea that suddenly stopping smoking may be more effective than gradually cutting down, in terms of quitting, seems plausible. If we can consider nicotine addiction like a plaster on the skin, pulling it right off in one sudden move, rather than slowly and painfully peeling it off, could be more effective. But when it comes to stopping smoking, one size does not fit all. It may be necessary to seek help ...
Source: NHS News Feed - Category: Consumer Health News Tags: Heart/lungs Lifestyle/exercise Cancer Source Type: news