Inanspruchnahme von hilfen zur erlangung der nikotin-abstinenz

The aim of this study is to assess the utilisation of aids for smoking cessation in the adult general population. Furthermore smoking behaviour, selected sociodemographic variables and motivation to change, are analysed with regard to the utilisation of aids. Therefore 4075 individuals of a random sample drawn from residents registration offices of a northern German region were personally interviewed. The response rate was 70,2%. Of all smokers which ever attempted to stopp or reduce smoking 14,3% utilised any kind of aids. From all different kinds of aids, the use of nicotine replacement medication was reported most frequently (7,8%) followed by acupuncture (6,7%) and group therapy programmes (1,9%). Current smokers used aids more frequently compared to former smokers (19,0% versus 8,5%). Smokers utilising aids are characterized by more cigarettes smoked per day, longer history of smoking, higher degree of physical nicotine dependence, an increased percentage of individuals meeting criteria for DSM-IV nicotine dependence syndrome and are more frequently allocated to stages with enhanced motivation to change smoking behaviour. Furthermore aids for smoking cessation are less frequently used by male and younger smokers. The results are discussed against the background of future secondary preventive measures.