Smoking Cessation attempts and Common Strategies Employed.

Introduction:
This article presents the results of the DEBRa study, a Germany-wide representative survey conducted in 19 waves from 2016 to 2019, analyzing smoking cessation attempts and common strategies employed by smokers, with a focus on the association with socioeconomic status. The study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the smoking cessation landscape in Germany and the factors influencing cessation attempts.

Key Points:

* The study found that 19.9% (95% CI: [19.1; 20.6]) of current smokers and recent ex-smokers tried to quit smoking at least once in the preceding year.
* Only 13.0% (11.6; 14.5) of them used at least one evidence-based method during their last attempt.
* Stronger tobacco dependence was associated with a higher likelihood of using evidence-based methods (OR = 1.27 [1.16; 1.40]).
* Pharmacotherapy was more commonly used by persons with higher incomes (OR = 1.44 per 1000 euro/month [1.28; 1.62]).
* Electronic cigarettes were the most commonly used single type of smoking cessation support (10.2 % [9.0; 11.6]).
* The use of evidence-based methods was generally low, and attempts were rarely supported by evidence-based strategies, leading to a high likelihood of failure.
* high treatment costs pose a barrier for smokers, particularly those with lower incomes, and there is an urgent need for evidence-based smoking cessation therapy to be covered by health insurance providers.

Main Message:
The DEBRa study highlights the need for increased support for smoking cessation in Germany, particularly for evidence-based methods. The high cost of treatment creates a barrier for many smokers, exacerbating health disparities. To ensure fair and equal access to medical care, health insurance providers should cover evidence-based smoking cessation therapy, empowering all smokers to quit and improve their overall health.

Kotz D, Batra a, Kastaun S. Smoking Cessation attempts and Common Strategies Employed. Deutsches arzteblatt international. 2020;117(1-2):7-13. doi:10.3238/arztebl.2020.0007