Efficiency of behaviour support interventions for smokeless tobacco cessation by dentists

South Asia is the region with a majority of smokeless tobacco users and evidence related to the same is sparse. This study is a randomized trial evaluating the behaviour support interventions among adult smokeless tobacco (SLT) users. A total of 100 patients who visited the dental hospital were exclusively using smokeless tobacco for at least 6 months were included in the study. The participants were willing to quit the habit within 30 days. Fagerstörm test for nicotine dependence level and the transtheoretical stage of change was assessed at the baseline. The study arm consisted of (a) Behavioural Support Intervention For Smokeless Tobacco Cessation In South Asians (BISCA) face-to-face behavioural support and the control arm consisted of (b) Self-help material (A modified self-help manual is given that is used by the Ministry of Family Welfare Government of India) in a dental setting. Almost all of the Minnesota Tobacco Withdrawal Scale characteristics were better for the BISCA group except for increased appetite or weight gain, depressed or sad mood and insomnia or sleep problems. It implied the effectiveness of BISCA in the treatment of SLT users. The proportion of biochemically verified abstinence in the BISCA group was 56%, and 52% in the self-help group. The groups did not have a significant association with biochemically verified abstinence. Given the high frequency of SLT usage, SLT cessation is a high-priority issue for tobacco control efforts, and definitive trials with long-term follow-ups are urgently required. CTRI/2024/04/065049 [Registered on: 02/04/2024] - Trial Registered Prospectively.