EFFECTIVENESS OF COUNSELLING INTERVENTIONS IN TOBACCO CESSATION AT A TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL: AN ORIGINAL RESEARCH STUDY

Introduction: Tobacco use remains a significant global public health challenge, contributing to numerous health issues and substantial mortality. Despite widespread awareness of its risks, tobacco use persists, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Effective cessation interventions are essential to reduce tobacco-related harm. Aim: This study evaluates the effectiveness of counselling interventions in promoting tobacco cessation among patients at a tertiary care hospital. Methods: A longitudinal study was conducted with 200 participants at the Tobacco Cessation Clinic of Noida International Institute of Medical Sciences (NIIMS). Participants received individualized counselling based on the 5 A’s model over a six-month period. Data collection included self-reported tobacco use, cigarettes smoked per day, nicotine dependence (FTND), motivation to quit (MTSS), and biochemical verification (CO levels). Statistical analyses included paired t-tests, chi-square tests, and logistic regression. Results: At three months, the cessation rate was 42%, which decreased to 36% by six months. Participants who did not quit showed a significant reduction in cigarette consumption, from an average of 18 to 8 cigarettes per day. Motivation to quit improved significantly, with MTSS scores increasing from 3.4 to 7.1. Predictors of successful cessation included lower baseline FTND scores, higher baseline motivation, and the use of pharmacotherapy. Biochemical verification confirmed cessation in 90% of self-reported quitters. Conclusion: Counselling interventions at the NIIMS Tobacco Cessation Clinic significantly supported tobacco cessation and reduced tobacco use. The study highlights the effectiveness of the 5 A’s model and pharmacotherapy, while also identifying predictors of successful cessation. These findings underscore the importance of tailored, multidisciplinary approaches in tobacco cessation programs and suggest further research to validate these interventions in diverse settings.