DURATION ADJUSTMENTS FOR SCHEDULED REDUCED SMOKING

Vesta Brue*, M.B.A., Patty Fiero, Ph.D., Harry Lando, Ph.D.
LIFETECHniques, Inc.

Funded by

Investigators assessed the feasibility of adaptively varying the length of a gradual step-down smoking cessation regimen delivered through an electronic cigarette case with the aim of improving cessation rates. Participants were N =49 smokers (21 females, 28 males, mixed races, average age =43.5, average years smoking =26.3, mean baseline CPD =21.1). Participants were randomly assigned to a Fixed or an Adjusting Regimen condition.
The Fixed Regimen group received a three-week protocol with cigarette allotment reductions of 33% per week. The Adjusting Regimen group received a four-week regimen, with variable reduction rates adjusted proportionately to prior week adherence. Time to complete the adjusting regimen ranged from 4-8 weeks (M = 5.5). The Adjusting group demonstrated a significantly higher post-treatment bio-chemically validated 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate (45.2% vs. 22.2%, SE = 9.3%; F = 102.74, p < 0.01). The Adjusting group was more compliant, smoking 109.5% of scheduled cigarettes versus 120.7% for the Fixed Regimen group. The adjusting regimen thus yielded better adherence and a higher quit-rate. The Adjusting group reduced its smoking 90%, while the Fixed group reduced 75% (t = 3.98, p < 0.01). The adjusting regimen appears to better match individual needs for reducing dependence. While pre-treatment Fagerstrom nicotine dependence scores did not differ between groups, post-treatment scores did (M Adjusting = 4.2, SD = 0.24; M Fixed = 4.9, SD = 0.26; t = 1.94, p = 0.03). The Adjusting group dependence reduction was significant (t = 1.69, p = 0.005). The findings support the efficacy of adjusting gradual cessation duration to suit individual needs.