Efficacy, tolerability and compliance of nicotine patches among Qatari population: a retrospective study

Bassem A. Hariri; Vajeeha Haider; Manish Barman; Amena Begum; Aram Salehi; Abdalrahman Mustafa; Silva Kouyoumjian; Mark D. Santos; Mohammed S. Ahmed; Ahmed M. Almulla; Muad A. Hassan

doi:10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262221

Authors

Bassem A. Hariri Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
Vajeeha Haider Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Manish Barman Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; College of Medicine, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar; Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
Amena Begum Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Aram Salehi Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar; Department of Clinical Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, Doha, Qatar
Abdalrahman Mustafa Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Silva Kouyoumjian Department of Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Mark D. Santos Department of Nursing, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Mohammed S. Ahmed Department of Ambulatory Care Medicine, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Ahmed M. Almulla Tobacco Control Center, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
Muad A. Hassan Department of Medical Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18203/2394-6040.ijcmph20262221

Keywords:

NRT, Transdermal nicotine patch, Efficacy, Adverse effects of patch, Cigarette smoking, Qatar

Abstract

Background: Tobacco use is a primary global health concern with significant adverse effects on public health and life expectancy. This study evaluated the safety, efficacy, and compliance of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) among smokers in the Qatar population.

Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on 400 individuals enrolled in a smoking cessation program in an outpatient department. The participants were randomized into a NRT group (300 participants) and a control group (100 participants).

Results: No significant differences were found in adverse effects between the NRT and control groups, including palpitations, chest pains, nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal complaints, and insomnia. Skin allergy or itching was rare in the NRT group. There was no statistically significant increase in anxiety or depressive symptoms associated with NRT use. Additionally, there was no significant difference in both groups' primary outcomes or efficacy.

Conclusion: These findings suggest that NRT is a safe and effective smoking cessation method for smokers in the Qatar population. The use of NRT should be considered alongside counseling and medical monitoring to improve smoking cessation rates.

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