0
0
January 25, 2024 — A groundbreaking clinical trial conducted at SCB Dental College and Hospital in Cuttack, Odisha, has revealed that the combination of Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) with Behavioral Therapy is five times more effective in aiding smoking cessation than Behavioral Therapy alone. Led by Dr. Utkal Mohanty, the trial’s success holds significant promise for India, where tobacco consumption remains a major public health concern, affecting approximately 267 million adults.
India, as the world’s second-largest tobacco consumer, grapples with the pervasive challenges associated with tobacco use and the resulting non-communicable diseases (NCDs). The trial’s outcomes offer a ray of hope in the battle against tobacco consumption, providing valuable insights for policymakers and public health authorities.
Dr. Utkal Mohanty, the lead investigator, highlighted the transformative impact of the combination approach, stating, “The trial revealed the transformative impact of a holistic approach. Integrating NRT with personalized behavioral support not only increased quit rates but also offered crucial guidance and encouragement throughout the participants’ journey.”
The trial, which included 93 tobacco users randomly assigned to receive nicotine gum, nicotine patch, or counseling only, provided extended follow-up for up to 26 weeks, surpassing the recommended 12 weeks of NRT therapy. The results showcased an unprecedented five-fold increase in quit rates among participants employing a combination of NRT and behavioral intervention, emphasizing the effectiveness of this comprehensive approach.
Padma Shri Awardee and Global Public Health Expert Dr. Chandrakant S Pandav applauded the trial’s outcomes, labeling it a game-changer against tobacco addiction. He stressed the urgency of keeping Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) accessible, especially in remote areas, to address the challenges posed by tobacco use affecting 28.6 percent of adults.
Dr. Sajeela Maini, Head of Tobacco Cessation and De-addiction at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, underscored the pivotal role of NRT in smoking cessation. Drawing from extensive practice, she emphasized the significant reduction in cravings and withdrawal symptoms through the substitution of cigarettes with nicotine products.
Key highlights of the trial included the efficacy of the NRT approach in smokeless tobacco users, with nearly 70 percent of trial participants being chewers. The integration of NRT with comprehensive cessation programs emerged as a key strategy for reducing tobacco-related illnesses and deaths.
As India grapples with the multifaceted challenges of tobacco use, the trial’s success offers a roadmap for scalable and effective interventions, emphasizing the importance of accessibility to NRT and sustained behavioral support programs. The outcomes have the potential to liberate millions from tobacco addiction, fostering a healthier future for the nation.
