A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials evaluating the effectiveness of smoke cessation intervention in adults (aged 55–64 years) with cardiovascular diseases

Background: Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD). Evaluating targeted strategies for smoking cessation in high-risk groups is crucial for secondary prevention. Objectives: To evaluate the effectiveness of smoke cessation interventions (SCIs) in promoting continuous abstinence from smoking among patients aged 55–64 years with cardiovascular disease (CVD). Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted from June 2024 using PubMed/MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library. Study selection and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 guidelines. The effect size was calculated as an odds ratio (OR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI). Heterogeneity was assessed using the I² statistic. A random-effects model was employed for the meta-analysis. The Risk of Bias (RoB) for included studies was assessed using the Cochrane RoB-2 tool. Publication bias was evaluated using a funnel plot and the Egger regression test. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were also performed. Results: Nineteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis demonstrated the efficacy of SCIs in CVD patients. The pooled OR was 0.65 (95% CI 0.48, 0.89), with a P < 0.07, indicating that SCIs significantly reduced the odds of continued smoking in the intervention group by 35% compared to usual, minimal, or no care. The observed heterogeneity was high ( I ² = 76%). Conclusion: The implementation of smoking cessation interventions was effective in promoting continuous abstinence from smoking among patients aged 55–64 years with CVD.