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A total of 424 smokers were randomized in a 2 x 2 factorial experiment. A pharmacologic factor contained 2 levels: transdermal nicotine path (TNP; 21 mg) and placebo. A self-help behavioral treatment factor contained 2 levels: video-enhanced self-help treatment manual and self-help treatment manual only. At 2 months, TNP produced a higher level of abstinence (36%) than placebo (20%), p < .001. No other comparison was significant. In secondary analyses, (at 2 months) and compliance with patch treatment regimen (at 2, 6, and 12 months) were associated with less relapse. Although nicotine replacement therapy has improved our ability to produce smoking cessation, the production of sustained, longer term abstinence remains an elusive goal.
Killen et al. (Wed,) studied this question.