Randomized controlled trial of cognitive behavioural therapy for smokers living in a deprived area of London: Outcome at one-year follow-up

Abstract

In order to reach the smoking prevalence targets set by the UK government, it is necessary to increase the adult quit rates, especially among smokers on low incomes. One way of increasing quit rates is to provide cost-effective smoking cessation therapy within the National Health Service (NHS). This paper compares the efficacy of smoking cessation advice in a health promotion campaign with that of an alternative intervention consisting of a cognitive behavioural therapy for smokers, the QUIT FOR LIFE Programme. Two hundred and sixty self- and GP-referred smokers took part in a randomized controlled trial with follow-up at 12 months. All lived in an economically deprived area of north London. At a 12-month follow-up, 23 of 116 participants (19.8%) receiving therapy were abstinent and ten (8.6%) had reduced cigarette consumption by at least 25% of the pre-treatment level. Six (5.8%) of 104 participants in the control group were abstinent and none had reduced consumption. Cognitive behavioural therapy can provide a cost-effective intervention for low-income smokers and should be available within the NHS in addition to nicotine replacement therapy.