Since 70 percent of smokers visit their primary-care physicians at least once a year, researchers at the University of Wisconsin Center for Tobacco Research and Intervention (CTRI) and the University of Wisconsin Medical School-Milwaukee set out to examine the acceptance, use, and effectiveness of free smoking-cessation treatment integrated into routine primary-care visits.

"Lack of interest among patients has been cited as a reason for not offering cessation help to smokers," said Michael Fiore, lead researcher and CTRI director. "This study demonstrated convincingly that smokers are interested in getting help to quit. In fact, over two-thirds said, 'Yes' to offers of cessation treatment, even when that was not the reason for their doctor visit. And, when offered a choice of treatment, they preferred the most intensive treatment available."

The research found that 68 percent of the 4,174 smokers who were offered the free help took it. In addition, 75 percent of those participating in the study chose counseling in conjunction with nicotine-replacement therapy.

The study's findings contradict previous research that suggested that smokers were not receptive to cessation intervention by their physicians. "We conclude from this study that smokers are willing to engage in cessation treatment," Fiore said. "Lack of easy access to free, convenient care, rather than lack of interest, may be keeping the millions of smokers who want to quit from doing so. This study provides a model for a tobacco-cessation treatment referral program for primary care clinics which could be used anywhere in the country."

The study's findings are published in the April 2004 issue of the journal Preventive Medicine.

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