Evaluation of smokers with and without asthma in terms of smoking cessation outcome, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and craving: Findings from a self-guided quit attempt.

Introduction: The aim of the current study was to evaluate smoking cessation outcome, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and craving between smokers with (n=47; 46.8% male, Mage=40.0years, SD=11.7) and without (n=45; 51.1% male, Mage=37.5years, SD=11.1) asthma during a self-guided quit attempt.

Methods: After completing a baseline assessment visit, participants attended study sessions on their scheduled quit day as well as follow-up visits (3days, 7days, 14days, and 28days) after their quit day.

Results: Smokers with and without asthma did not differ in abstinence rates, smoking lapse, and rate of change in urge to smoke to reduce negative affect. However, smokers with asthma demonstrated a slower rate of decline in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and craving over time.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that smokers with asthma may benefit from specialized smoking cessation treatments to address prolonged withdrawal symptoms and craving.