Abstract:

Introduction: Nicotine effectiveness has been tested in multiple forms to stop tobacco use. However, the evidence remains inconclusive for the efficacy of a single nicotine intervention. This study aims to test the efficacy of a nurse-led video-assisted nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) to standard NRT on tobacco addiction and cessation among tobacco users. Design: Randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing two study groups (41/group) with blinded follow-up at two and four weeks. A video-assisted nurse-led NRT and routine standard treatment groups are compared. A weekly call reminder was placed to the videoassisted nurse-led group to take nicotine gum/lozenge and to attend follow-up regularly. Measures: Primary endpoints at two and four weeks were self-reported addiction status and tobacco cessation. A standardized urine cotinine test was performed to validate self-reported addiction status at five weeks. Results: Addiction status was significantly (p <0.001) improved in the video-assisted nurse led NRT group. A significant improvement was observed in importance (p <0.001) to quit tobacco at two weeks of follow-ups. The participants in the nurse-led group enable to boost their readiness (p <0.001) to quit tobacco at the second and fourth-week follow-ups. There was a significant reduction in urine cotinine levels at 5th week (OR: 2.79, CI 1.26-6.18) in the nurse-led NRT group. Conclusions: A video-assisted nurse-led nicotine replacement therapy found effective in reducing tobacco use. Developing culturally appropriate material and technology use can be a cost-effective means to curb the problem of tobacco and substance abuse.