Over Half Quit Smoking Through Cessation Services

Figures released today show that of all the smokers in Northern Ireland who sought to kick the habit through smoking cessation services last year, such as those provided by a hospital or GP, over half managed to successfully quit.

A total of 32,714 people set a quit date through smoking cessation services during the period 2012/13, indicating a decrease of 6,490 (17%) on the same period last year.

At the four week follow-up 18,516 reported that they had successfully quit, amounting to 57%.

The statistics have been released by the Department of Health, Social Services and Public Safety.

Of those setting a quit date, 2% were under 18 years of age, 39% were aged 18-34, 23% were aged 35-44, 25% were aged 45-59 and 11% were aged 60 and over.

Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) was the most popular drug therapy, having been used by 75% of those who set a quit date.

The four week success rate was 58% for males and 55% for females. Success at four weeks increased with age, from 39% for the under 18s to 63% for those aged 60 and over.

At the four week follow-up, 27% reported that they had not successfully quit.

Of these, 60% had reduced their smoking intake and 38% indicated that they intend to rejoin the smoking cessation programme.

Of the 713 young people (aged 11 to 17) who set a quit date, 39% reported to have successfully quit at the four week follow-up, 40% indicated that they were still smoking and 22% were not able to be contacted for the follow-up.

(IT/MH)