BHUBANESWAR: There is good news for the people who want to quit tobacco consumption. Researchers have found a way in the form of nicotine replacement therapy (NCT) to fight against tobacco addiction. A recently concluded clinical trial of this therapy in Odisha came up with a promising result.
The clinical trial conducted at the SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, found that combining NRT with behavioural therapy increased quit rates by nearly five times compared to counselling alone.
“This breakthrough finding offers immense hope for the millions of smokers and smokeless tobacco users in India struggling to break free from their dependence,” said a statement from public health expert and a Padma Shri awardee Dr Chandrakant S Pandav.
The trial led by Dr Utkal Keshari Mohanty, associate professor, department of public health dentistry, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, demonstrated a five-fold increase in quit rates among participants employing a combination of NRT and behavioural intervention.
Mohanty said relying solely on individual willpower has long been the burden for quitting tobacco in India, and the trial revealed the transformative impact of a holistic approach. “Integrating NRT with personalized behavioural support not only increased quit rates but also offered crucial guidance and encouragement throughout the participants’ journey,” he added.
He said this model should be extended to ensure widespread access to comprehensive quit resources. Results of this trial can shape future policies on NRT accessibility, he added.
According to the data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), Odisha has one of the highest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, with 51.6 percent of men and 26 percent of women consuming tobacco in any form. This is higher than the national average of 38 percent of men and 8.9 percent of women.
Official sources said tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer, which accounts for 27 percent of the country’s cancer burden.
Pandav said this clinical trial is a game-changer in the fight against tobacco addiction. “Overcoming nicotine dependence requires support beyond the recommended 12 weeks, and this research proves that NRT can be a safe and effective bridge to lasting freedom from tobacco,” he added.
He said the Odisha clinical trial signifies a pivotal moment in India’s battle against tobacco addiction. The evidence of significantly higher quit rates with the NRT and behavioural intervention approach offers hope for millions of smokers and chewers, he added.
The clinical trial conducted at the SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, found that combining NRT with behavioural therapy increased quit rates by nearly five times compared to counselling alone.
“This breakthrough finding offers immense hope for the millions of smokers and smokeless tobacco users in India struggling to break free from their dependence,” said a statement from public health expert and a Padma Shri awardee Dr Chandrakant S Pandav.
The trial led by Dr Utkal Keshari Mohanty, associate professor, department of public health dentistry, SCB Dental College and Hospital, Cuttack, demonstrated a five-fold increase in quit rates among participants employing a combination of NRT and behavioural intervention.
Mohanty said relying solely on individual willpower has long been the burden for quitting tobacco in India, and the trial revealed the transformative impact of a holistic approach. “Integrating NRT with personalized behavioural support not only increased quit rates but also offered crucial guidance and encouragement throughout the participants’ journey,” he added.
He said this model should be extended to ensure widespread access to comprehensive quit resources. Results of this trial can shape future policies on NRT accessibility, he added.
According to the data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021), Odisha has one of the highest prevalence of tobacco use in the country, with 51.6 percent of men and 26 percent of women consuming tobacco in any form. This is higher than the national average of 38 percent of men and 8.9 percent of women.
Official sources said tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer, which accounts for 27 percent of the country’s cancer burden.
Pandav said this clinical trial is a game-changer in the fight against tobacco addiction. “Overcoming nicotine dependence requires support beyond the recommended 12 weeks, and this research proves that NRT can be a safe and effective bridge to lasting freedom from tobacco,” he added.
He said the Odisha clinical trial signifies a pivotal moment in India’s battle against tobacco addiction. The evidence of significantly higher quit rates with the NRT and behavioural intervention approach offers hope for millions of smokers and chewers, he added.
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