An observational study “Quitline service” for smoking cessation in Hungary

Background: Smoking is the most important cause of morbidity and mortality, mainly related to cancer and other pulmonary disease. Our “quitline service” program has been in operation, since 2012 at the National Centre for Smoking Cessation Support located at the National Koranyi Institute for Tuberculosis and Pulmonology. Aims and objectives: The aim of our study was to investigate the socio economical and cultural characteristics of our clients participating in our behavioural interventions for smoking cessation to provide the right kind of support in their fight for quitting smoking. Methods: In 2015 we collected detailed, self-reported- data from 752 consecutive Quitline clients on the following variables: gender, age, place of residence, education level, smoking habits, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scores and level of social support to quit. Results: Gender ratio was 399 female/353 male; aged 50years on average; 53% of then living on, countryside. The 44% of clients had high school degree and 22% finished only primary school. 46% of clients was strongly motivated to quit, and 421 had some quit experience earlier. Fagerstrom scores showed high nicotine dependency in 41% moderate dependency level in 32%.Supportive environment was reported in 67% in 20% being strong, given by family members and friends. Conclusion: Our Quitline is accessed mainly by middle –aged highly –or moderately nicotine- dependent smokers with supportive environment to quit. Our result help to address tailoring out support for the clients and also to frame our campaigns to reach other smoker groups such as young and elderly smokers highly educated people and clients with non-supporting environment.