Use of smoking cessation products: A survey of patients in community pharmacies

Abstract

Objectives: At 17.3%, smoking rates in Manitoba continue to exceed the national average. In this province, a total health care spending of more than $200 million per year has been attributed to smoking. This study examined the use of smoking cessation agents, including nicotine replacement products and prescription medications, in a sample of smokers in the city of Winnipeg.

Methods: A simple multiple-choice questionnaire was administered to willing individuals attending 2 community pharmacies in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Data on demographics, smoking habits, previous attempts of smoking cessation and previous and current use of over-the-counter and prescription smoking cessation products were collected anonymously.

Results: Of the 2237 individuals who were approached, 586 were smokers (26.2%) and 180 responded to the survey (30.7%); 48.9% were female. A majority of smokers (32.8%) reported smoking 16 to 25 cigarettes per day. More than 90% had smoked for more than 5 years, 27.2% had more than 5 previous quit attempts and 82.1% used smoking cessation products with the intention to quit. Self-motivation (44.4%) and family/friend advice (28.3%) were major reasons for quitting. Impact of health care practitioners' advice was low (6.4%). More than 80% of respondents reported that they had no insurance coverage for their smoking cessation products. Despite having the highest rate of use, both nicotine gum (33.3%) and patches (24.4%) were reported to have lower rates of perceived efficacy. Electronic cigarette (97.9%) and varenicline (70.6%) had the highest rates of reported effectiveness.

Conclusion: Smokers wanting to quit undergo many attempts. Pharmacists should assume a key role in reaching out to smokers.

Figure 1

Characteristics of smokers in community pharmacies in Winnipeg *Does not include participants who failed to respond. †Includes multiple responses from single respondents.

Figure 2

Percentages for use and perceived efficacy of various smoking cessation products *Each percentage of a previously used smoking cessation product represents the proportion of use among all previously used products (n = 393). †Each percentage of a currently used smoking cessation product represents the proportion of all currently used products (n = 183), where some participants reported contaminant use of nicotine gum with the patch or in combination with e-cigarettes. ‡Each percentage of an effective smoking cessation product represents the proportion of respondents who rated a product most effective in smoking cessation (n = 180). §Each percentage of the most effective product represents the proportion of users who had rated a smoking cessation product most effective over the proportion of users who had previously tried the product. A most effective percentage could not be determined for none, since it was not measured as a method of smoking cessation for a measure for preference and use.