Complaints related to smoking cessation.

Problems experienced during quitting smoking, particularly withdrawal symptoms, make giving up difficult. In this study the description of the complaints arising in individuals quitting smoking thus acts as a guide for health professional who dealt with smoking cessation. Data belonging to 194 patients applying to the smoking cessation clinic and quitting smoking were analysed. Behavioural counselling and nicotine support therapy are administered in the smoking cessation programme. Patients are followed up for at least two years after quitting cigarettes, and their complaints are determined. One hundred and two (52.6%) of the 194 patients quitting smoking had various complaints. One of the most frequently experienced problems was weight gain. According to patients' statements, an average weight gain of 6.8 +/- 3.8 kg, minimum 1 kg maximum 16 kg, occurred. Seventeen (8.7%) patients complain of increased appetite. Those with increased appetite gained the most weight, to a significant extent (p= 0.001). In terms of average weight gain, those with increased appetite gained 4.6 +/- 2.3 kg, while those without increased appetite gained 7.3 +/- 3.9 kg, and the difference was significant (p= 0.033). Thirty-eight (19.6%) patients complain of lesions in the mouth, gums or tongue. Twelve (6.1%) patients had complaints of tension, restlessness, nervousness or sleeplessness, 9 (4.6%) of a desire to smoke, 9 (4.6%) of headache, 8 (4.1%) of constipation, and 7 (3.6%) of drowsiness, numbness or concentration impairment. Forty-five (44.1%) of the 102 patients with smoking cessation related complaints and 57 (62%) of 92 patients with no complaints recommenced smoking. Significantly fewer of those with complaints began smoking (p= 0.013). Counselling services to be provided by health personnel regarding the frequency, intensity and resolutions of problems experienced by those quitting smoking will increase cessation success and duration.