Outcomes of the first adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic in Türkiye on tobacco control

TL;DR

This study evaluated the first adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic in Türkiye and found factors that influence quitting success among teens.

Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates the first adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic in Türkiye.

Findings

Three-month, six-month, and one-year quit rates were 18%, 14.3%, and 13.5%, respectively.

Using nicotine patches and having a cough were positively associated with quitting at three months.

Smoking fewer cigarettes and not receiving extra pocket money were linked to higher quit rates.

Abstract

Adolescent smoking remains common, highlighting the need to control tobacco use and identify influencing factors. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of an adolescent-focused smoking cessation clinic and the factors influencing them.

The study was conducted with 262 adolescents, who, along with their parents, had direct access to the clinic. Data were drawn from patient records containing structured registration and follow-up documentation. The study investigated the effects of baseline cigarette consumption, sociodemographic characteristics, and nicotine patch use on smoking cessation rates at three months, six months, and one year.

The three-month, six-month, and one-year quit rates for adolescents were 18%, 14.3%, and 13.5%, respectively. The regression model revealed a positive association with three-month smoking cessation among those who had a cough (OR = 8.57; 95% CI: 1.83–40.11; p = 0.06) and those who used a nicotine patch (OR = 5.74; 95% CI: 2.06–15.94; p < 0.001). Additionally, individuals who used their pocket money to purchase cigarettes were more likely to quit smoking for three months (OR = 3.47; p = 0.038) and six months (OR = 9.26; p = 0.039). For every 10-cigarette increase in daily consumption, the likelihood of smoking cessation decreased at both 6 months (OR = 0.31; 95% CI: 1.28–8.33; p = 0.014) and one year (OR = 0.26; 95% CI: 1.39–10.42; p = 0.009).

Our findings suggest that not receiving extra pocket money and smoking fewer cigarettes at the time of admission are associated with higher quit rates. Even short-term use of nicotine patches and addressing symptoms such as coughing may support adolescents’ intention to quit. Adolescent smoking cessation clinics provide a valuable opportunity to address these factors in collaboration with families.

Figures