EC Pulmonology and Respiratory Medicine

Introduction: Smoking is a leading cause of preventable disease and death worldwide, causing chronic lung disease and predisposing individuals to acute lung injury and pulmonary infections. This study highlights the role of general practitioners (GPs) and Anti-Smoking Centers (ASCs) in promoting smoking cessation through integrated counseling, behavioral management, and pharmacological interventions.
Materials and Methods: We recruited 49 smokers from 9 GP clinics with no history of chronic respiratory disease. Using the 5A framework (Ask, Advise, Assess, Assist, Arrange), smoking cessation counseling was provided for six months. Patients who continued smoking were referred to ASCs for pulmonary function testing (PFT), carbon monoxide (CO) measurement, and integrated treatment, including pharmacological and psychological support.

Results: Among the 49 patients (19 females and 30 males; mean age 53.4 ± 5.6 years), 70% had a BMI greater than 25 kg/m², and the mean carbon monoxide (CO) level was 23 ± 10 ppm. General practitioners (GPs) counseling resulted in a 4% cessation rate at six months, while interventions by addiction support counselors (ASCs) significantly increased the cessation rate to 52%. One year later, 48% of the patients remained non-smokers. Pulmonary function testing (PFT) identified undiagnosed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in 16% of the patients, highlighting the success of this integrated approach.

Conclusion: Integrated support involving GPs, pulmonologists, and behavioral therapy is essential for effective smoking cessation. Routine PFT for heavy smokers aged > 50 years is recommended to identify underlying COPD, a crucial step in the cessation process. These findings highlight the critical role of ASCs in achieving long-term cessation outcomes. We propose using of PFTs as a critical part of ASCs to achieve higher rates of smoking cessation.

 Keywords: Smoking Cessation; General Practitioners; Anti-Smoking Centers

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