Comparative Efficacy of Nonnicotine Replacement Therapy (Homeopathy Medicine) and Placebo With Behavioral Counseling on Tobacco Abstinence Among Adult Tobacco Users in Pune

Abstract

Background: In India, tobacco is used in various forms, leading to an addictive behavioral disorder. Usually the homeopathy medicines are considered to be free from any side effects. The employees of a bus depot were addicted to tobacco and were contemplating on giving up the habit. Aim and Objective: To compare the effectiveness of non nicotine replacement therapy with behavioural councelling and placebo with behavioural councelling in tobacco abstinence at 6th and 12th month. Material and Methods: A triple blind, parallel group, placebo controlled, randomized clinical trial was conducted amongst 51 workers of bus workshop. Demographic data was recorded. Tobacco dependency was assessed using Fagerstrom questionnaire; Oral mucosa condition, CPI and LOA was recorded using WHO oral health assessment form 1997 and stains on teeth surfaces was recorded by Lobene stain index (1968). The intervention group received homeopathy medicine, control group received placebo and both groups received behavioural counseling and were followed up to 12 months. Results: Tobacco abstinence was seen in both the groups, but there was no statistically significant difference between the two groups at the end of six and twelfth month (p>0.05). The mean reduction in the frequency of tobacco consumption and the dependency score within both the groups was statistically significant (p=0.00). The intervention and the control group helped 6 Vs 5 participants to abstain from the habit. Conclusion: Homeopathy medication ie. Tabaccum, Avena Sativa, Nux Vomica, Staphysagria, Caladium have shown to be beneficial in tobacco cessation.