LONDON: Couples who attempt to quit smoking together have a nearly sixfold chance of success, according to a study which suggests that kicking the habit works best in pairs.
“Quitting smoking can be a lonely endeavour,” said Magda Lampridou from the Imperial College London in the UK.
“People feel left out when they skip the smoke break at work or avoid social occasions. On top of that, there are nicotine withdrawal symptoms,” Lampridou said in a statement.
“Partners can distract each other from the cravings by going for a walk or to the cinema and encouraging replacement activities like eating healthy food or meditating when alone. Active support works best, rather than nagging,” he said.
Half of coronary patients smoke and 90 per cent of people at high risk of cardiovascular disease are smokers.
European Society of Cardiology (ESC) prevention guidelines advise against tobacco in any form, and people who stop smoking generally halve their risk of cardiovascular disease, researchers said.
“Smoking cessation interventions should incorporate couples where possible to achieve a smoke-free household,” said Lampridou.
This study evaluated the supporting role married or cohabiting partners might have in smoking cessation.
The researchers enrolled 222 current smokers who were at high risk of cardiovascular disease or had suffered a heart attack.
Partners were also recruited: 99 were current smokers (45 per cent), 40 ex-smokers, and 83 never-smokers.
At the start they were asked about current smoking status, history of smoking, and previous quit attempts. Smoking status was validated with a carbon monoxide breath test.
During the 16-week programme, couples were offered nicotine replacement therapy with patches and gum. In one programme, participants could choose the prescription drug varenicline instead.
At the end of the programme, 64 per cent of patients and 75 per cent of partners were abstinent — compared to none and 55 per cent at the start, respectively.
The odds of quitting smoking at 16 weeks were significantly higher (5.83-fold) in couples who tried to quit together compared to patients who attempted it alone.
Previous research has shown that ex-smokers can also positively influence their spouse’s attempts to quit, but in this study the effect was not statistically significant.
“As for non-smoking partners, there is a strong risk that they will adopt their spouse’s habit,” said Lampridou
Researchers noted that further study is needed to confirm the findings in smokers who are otherwise healthy. (AGENCIES)
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SPO-HOGG-KOHLI
RCB’s dismal IPL run will have no bearing on
Kohli’s performance in World Cup: Hogg
NEW DELHI, Apr 12:
Former Australia spinner Brad Hogg on Friday said that RCB’s dismal run in the ongoing IPL will not impact India captain Virat Kohli’s performance in the World Cup, beginning May 30.
Kohli-led Royal Challengers Bangalore are yet to win a game this season, having lost six matches in a row.
“There is no way that it will affect Virat Kohli in the World Cup, he is a focused individual and he wants to succeed. Do not worry about Kohli going in the World Cup,” Hogg said in a video he has posted on Twitter.
Hogg is also not surprised with the forgettable run of RCB, who are the bottom of the points table and are perennial underachievers in the competition.
“They rely too heavily on Kohli and AB de Villiers, their middle order has not stood up. Also their bowling department in the death overs. They have not executed their plans and they never had the right plans. So management has to sit down and turn things around very quickly,” the 48-year-old added.
The Royal Challengers will be hoping for their first win this season when they take on Kings XI Punjab in Mohali on Saturday. (AGENCIES)
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