Using Nicotine Replacement Therapy Before Quitting Smoking
Author Information
Author(s): Chris Bullen, Robyn Whittaker, Natalie Walker, Mark Wallace-Bell
Primary Institution: University of Auckland
Hypothesis
Can using nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) while still smoking enhance the success of quitting?
Conclusion
Smokers using pre-quitting NRT over two weeks were able to manage their nicotine levels with few unpleasant symptoms.
Supporting Evidence
- Only 21% of participants expressed concerns about using NRT while smoking.
- 56% of participants reported no unpleasant symptoms from NRT.
- Urine cotinine levels declined over the two weeks.
- All participants decreased their daily cigarette consumption.
Takeaway
If you use nicotine patches or gum while still smoking for a little while before quitting, it might help you quit more easily.
Methodology
A pilot study where 14 adult smokers used NRT while still smoking for two weeks before their quit date.
Potential Biases
Participants may have had a positive bias towards NRT due to their interest in quitting.
Limitations
The study was small and uncontrolled, limiting the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
67% female, median age 44 years, mostly of European New Zealander ethnicity.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.03
Statistical Significance
p=0.03
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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