Predictors for Smoking Cessation with Acupuncture in a Hong Kong Population

Abstract

Background. Observational studies of smoking cessation with acupuncture have been reported widely; however, few researchers have focused on its predictors. Objective. This paper attempts to explore the predictors for smoking cessation with acupuncture in a Hong Kong population, aiming to provide references for clinical treatment in the future. Methods. We performed a secondary analysis of data from our observational study “Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation (2011–2014)” in Hong Kong. A total of 23 indexes were selected as possible predictors, and study participants with complete information of 23 indexes were included. By taking 8-week and 52-week smoking cessation results as dependent variables, binary logistic regression method was used to identify the predictors. Additionally, based on an M5P decision-tree algorithm, an equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was calculated. Results. (1) 2,051 study participants were included in total. (2) According to the results of binary logistic regression, variables including treatment location, total number of acupuncture sessions received, and whether the study participants received at least 6 sessions of acupuncture were taken as the short-term predictors; gender, treatment location, Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and total number of acupuncture sessions received were taken as the long-term predictors. (3) According to study participants' FTND, treatment location, and number of cigarettes smoked/day, the equation of “successful rate of smoking cessation with acupuncture” was established. Conclusion. Receiving sufficient and qualified acupuncture is the leading factor for short-term smoking cessation with acupuncture, whereas individual factors and smoking background play a more important role in long-term smoking cessation with acupuncture.

Acupuncture for Smoking Cessation in Hong Kong: A Prospective Multicenter Observational Study

“…Unfortunately, a high drop-out was still inevitable, indicating that the effects of acupuncture on smoking cessation may be related to personal environment and living factors [26]. It was worthy of more attention in future studies.…”

Acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure for smoking cessation and its effects on tobacco dependence and smoking behavior among Hong Kong smokers: a multicenter pilot clinical study

“…Various therapeutic approaches, including acupuncture, have been used to help people quit smoking. In Hong Kong, a free community-based smoking cessation service combining acupuncture and auricular acupressure has been provided since 2010, with positive results [ 8 , 12 , 33 ]. Our findings from the Hong Kong site in this Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area project provide updated and additional evidence on the effects and safety of combined acupuncture and auricular acupressure for smoking cessation.…”

“…The major aim of our study was to investigate the success rates of smoking cessation posttreatment. It has been reported that receiving sufficient and qualified acupuncture is a leading factor for short-term smoking cessation [ 33 ]. The more acupuncture treatment received, the greater the possibility of quitting tobacco dependence with acupuncture [ 8 , 33 ].…”

Acupuncture combined with auricular acupressure for smoking cessation and its effects on tobacco dependence and smoking behavior among Hong Kong smokers: a prospective, multicenter clinical study

“…Various therapeutic approaches, including acupuncture, have been used to help quit smoking. In Hong Kong, a pilot project was launched since 2010 to provide free acupuncture for smoking cessation with positive results [8, 12,33]. The ndings from the Hong Kong site in this Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area Project gave an update and additional evidence on the e cacy and safety of acupuncture for smoking cessation in Hong Kong.…”

“…It has been reported that receiving su cient and quali ed acupuncture is the leading factor for short-term smoking cessation. The more acupuncture treatment received, the greater the possibility of quitting tobacco dependence with acupuncture [33]. A previous clinical trial in Norway reported that six acupuncture sessions may help motivate smokers to quit smoking completely, and the effect may last for ve years [10].…”