Economic Evaluation And Factors Affecting Smoking Cessation Using Istop Program In A Local Manufacturing Company
Loading...
Date
2018-08
Authors
Goh, Su Lun
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
Tobacco products are a double-edged sword. While tobacco products
contribute to a country’s economic significantly, it is also a notable risk factor for
human health and a silent thief of the wealth of its users, society and nation. Apart
from the healthcare cost, the work performance of smokers is also being affected
leading to lower productivity. Many studies have also shown that workplace smoking
cessation programs are effective and have generated positive savings for the employers.
Therefore, workplace smoking cessation has been viewed as a potential strategy to
combat the usage of tobacco products. Abundant studies have been carried out abroad,
but local studies are scares; especially in the private manufacturing sector. This study
was a cross-sectional single prospective cohort workplace smoking cessation study
conducted in a local manufacturing company. This study reviewed a 12-week
innovative multi-component smoking cessation intervention program to support
smoking employees to quit smoking, called “iSTOP” program. The objectives of this
study were to evaluate the effectiveness of this innovative program and the smokers’
behaviours as well as to identify factors affecting smoking cessation and relapse. On
top of these, the quality of this program was also evaluated using qualitative analysis
method, making it more effective in assisting smokers to quit smoking. As this was the
Company fully sponsored program, the last section was to calculate the economic
return this program to the employer using the common commercial indicators (ROI
and IRR), which are familiar by the Management team. This study was also the first study prescribing varenicline and the combination of varenicline with nicotine
replacement therapy (NRT) in a workplace setting. The results of this study were very
encouraging. A total of 155 participants took part, and they were divided into two
batches to go through the iSTOP program. The overall short-term and long-term
abstinent rates were 45.8% and 37.4% respectively. The multivariate analysis
concluded that the factors affecting abstinence for one year were the level of adherence
to the clinical intervention program and having a strong perception of the effect of
smoking on health. Factors related to relapse were staying in the urban area, previous
quit attempt of less than 1 week and not receiving GP’s advice in the current year. All
the interviewed participants valued the effort put on by the Company for this free-ofcharge
program. Use of varenicline and its combination with NRT were well-accepted
by the participants. Self-willingness, self-efficacy and self-motivation with continuous
support and motivation from the surroundings were critical factors in successful
smoking cessation. This lead to the development of “CARE” model for workplace
smoking cessation program. The ROI over 5 years and IRR per year of this program
were 156% and 20.7% respectively, confirming that iSTOP program was a promising
investment project for the Management. In conclusion, this thesis confirmed that
iSTOP program was effective and benefited the employers. Future actions were to
apply the “CARE” model in a workplace smoking cessation program to further
enhance its effectiveness.
Description
Keywords
Pharmacological