Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2003; 8: 521
Smoking cessation is characterised by high relapse rates; thus, new therapeutic approaches are warranted. Mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) has been successfully used for the treatment of anxiety disorders, stress and pain syndromes. We conducted a common workplace action among hospital employees to promote smoking cessation. We aimed to determine the effectiveness of MBSR in optimising smoking cessation.
Out of 140 smokers 116 wanted to participate in a smoking cessation programme and received a smoking cessation program with nicotine replacement and brief cognitive intervention. In addition, smokers could choose participation in a 8-week stress-reduction programme (MBSR). Primary outcome was abstinence rate at 6 months, secondary endpoints included abstinence rates at 15 months, smoking intensity for relapsed smokers and expiratory CO concentrations.
Fifty-three subjects participated in MBSR (46%, Group B), 63 subjects wished no MBSR (Group A). Abstinence rates at 6 months were not significantly higher in group B with MBSR (20% vs. 41%; P = 0.2), expiratory CO concentration was significantly reduced (P > 0.001). After 15 months abstinence rates were further reduced in both groups (17% vs. 32%), unchanged smoking practice was noted in 48% vs. 24% of participants (P = 0.03). (Regression analysis of influencing factors did not change the results.)
With a common workplace action a substantial part of employees could be motivated for smoking cessation. Within a smoking cessation programme MBSR might be beneficial as supportive treatment. However, larger studies are needed to assess the role of MBSR in smoking cessation.
