Comparative Evaluation of the Effect of Pharmacotherapy, Low-Level Laser Therapy, and Behavioral Counseling on Tobacco Cessation: A Parallel Randomized Clinical Trial
نویسندگان
1 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
2 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
3 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
4 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
5 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
6 Unit of Public Health Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Sciences, Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India
doi
10.34172/ahj.1673چکیده
Background: Nicotine lozenges help reduce nicotine gradually. They are a discreet NRT alternative. This study compared nicotine dependence, cotinine levels, quit rates, and physical effects before and after one month of NRT lozenges, laser therapy, and counselling.Methods: This randomised controlled trial tested nicotine lozenges, laser therapy, and counselling. This trial included 75 participants (25 per group) over one month. Seventy-five participants were divided into three groups of 25. The “Jus-Check™ Rapid Nicotine Test” was used. Laser therapy targeted both ears weekly for four weeks, with counselling provided weekly. Primary outcomes included nicotine dependence, cotinine levels (saliva/urine), and quit rates; whereas, secondary outcomes included physical effects before and after intervention.Findings: The results showed a significant decrease in nicotine dependence and cotinine (P < 0.001) in all groups. However, differences between groups and quit rates were not statistically significant.Conclusion: Nicotine lozenges are as effective as laser therapy and counselling for quitting smokeless tobacco. This approach reduces dependence, lowers cotinine, increases quit rates, and improves physical effects.
