Trial of transdermal nicotine patch in smoking cessation.

In order to evaluate the efficacy of the transdermal nicotine patch, 37 persons who wore the patches (group 2) were compared with 40 persons who attended an organized smoking cessation program (group 1). At 1 month, 8 persons of group 2 (21.62%) and 22 persons of group 1 (55%) were able to stop smoking. At 3 months, 8 persons of group 2 (21.62%) and 17 persons of group 1 (42.5%) were still abstinent. At 6 months, 7 persons of group 2 (18.9%) and 14 persons of group 1 (35%) were able to quit smoking. Counselling and follow-up support are needed to maintain abstinence.