Survey of smoking cessation treatment in Yamagata Prefecture

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the current status of smoking cessation outpatient clinics and types of smoking cessation aids in Yamagata Prefecture.
Methods: A self-administered questionnaire survey was sent to 194 medical institutions in Yamagata Prefecture, which are covered by health insurance and levy a nicotine dependence management fee.
Results: Of the 194 institutions, 91 responded (response rate 46.9%). Of these, 42 were currently offering smoking cessation services, and clinics at the other 49 were in suspension. Of the latter, 29 had plans to resume their clinics and 20 had no such plans. Clinics currently offering services most commonly used a combination of oral medications and nicotine products, while clinics currently in suspension used only oral medications. Many clinics responded to the cessation of shipments of oral medications by suspending services.
Discussion: The suspension of shipments of oral medications had a significant effect on the suspension of outpatient smoking cessation services.
Conclusion: Those who wish to quit smoking must be guaranteed the opportunity to receive smoking cessation treatment. Our findings suggests that there is a need for collaboration in the community to support smoking cessation.