Strategies for smoking cessation in specific population groups

Abstract

Background. Smoking is a risk factor that negatively influences global morbidity and mortality. Smoking cessation significantly improves the risk of disease, but its implementation can be challenging for specific demographics, including adolescents, individuals suffering from chronic ailments, and certain social groups. Objective(s). The aim of the study was the identification and analysis of optimal smoking cessation strategies for patients in specific groups, with a particular focus on those with chronic diseases. Materials and methods. A narrative synthesis study was conducted, and 30 articles were evaluated following an analysis of the Google Scholar and PubMed databases using keywords. The analysis of international guidelines from official websites was also conducted. Inclusion criteria for the review: period 2020-2025, presence of full articles in English. Results. The specific categories of diseases were pulmonary, cardiovascular, psychoneurological, and cancer. Common strategies for all categories involve therapeutic education, cognitive behavioral therapy, pharmacotherapy, and relapse control. For pulmonary and cardiovascular pathologies, pharmacotherapy employing high doses and combinations of medications is used. For psychoneurological diseases, cognitive behavioral therapy and pharmacotherapy under psychiatric supervision are used, mainly for long-term treatment. For cancer (mandatory in the case of chemotherapy/radiotherapy), counseling and medication under medical supervision are used. Conclusion(s). Personalized smoking cessation strategies are applied to patients with chronic diseases, depending on the severity of the disease and the patient's level of dependence. The most effective methods are a combination of pharmacotherapy, cognitive behavioral support, and long-term supervision.