Couples who attempt to quit smoking together have a nearly sixfold chance of success, according to a study that suggests that kicking the habit works best in pairs. “Quitting smoking can be a lonely endeavor,” said Magda Lampridou from the Imperial College London in the UK.
“People feel left out when they skip the smoke break at work or avoid social occasions. On top of that, there are nicotine withdrawal symptoms,” Lampridou said in a statement.
“Partners can distract each other from the cravings by going for a walk or to the cinema and encouraging replacement activities like eating healthy food or meditating alone. Active support works best, rather than nagging,” he said.
Half of coronary patients smoke, and 90 percent of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease are smokers.
European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prevention guidelines advise against tobacco in any form, and people who stop smoking generally halve their risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers said.
“Smoking cessation interventions should incorporate couples where possible to achieve a smoke-free household,” said Lamprid.
This study evaluated the supporting role married or cohabiting partners might have in smoking cessation.
The researchers enrolled 222 current smokers who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease or had suffered a heart attack.
Jallianwala Bagh massacre 100th anniversary: PM Modi, President Kovind, Rahul Gandhi pay respects to victims. Partners were also recruited: 99 were current smokers (45 percent), 40 were ex-smokers, and 83 were never-smokers.
At the start, they were asked about their current smoking status, history of smoking, and previous quit attempts. Smoking status was validated with a carbon monoxide breath test.
During the 16-week program, couples were offered nicotine replacement therapy with patches and gum. In one program, participants could choose the prescription drug Varenicline instead.
Lateral entry — Here is what the government is trying to do
At the end ofprogramrammepercent cent of patients and a percentage of partners were abstinent – compared to a percentage cent at the start, respectively.
The odds of quitting smoking at 16 weeks were significantly higher (5.83-fold) in couples who tried to leave together compared to patients who attempted it alone.
Previous research has shown that ex-smokers can also positively influence their spouse’s attempts to quit, but in this study, the effect was not statistically significant.
“As for non-smoking partners, there is a strong risk that they will adopt their spouse’s habit,” said Lampridou
Researchers noted that further study is needed to confirm the findings in smokers who are otherwise healthy.
