Background:

Smoking cessation therapies include counseling, psychological management and pharmacological therapy. Varenicline is the most effective and safe medication available.

Aim:

To study risk factors for the failure of pharmacological smoking cessation therapy with varenicline.

Patients and Methods:

Retrospective analysis of 281 patients aged 45 ± 11 years (65% males) with a mean consumption of 31 ± 22 packs/year. They completed a smoking cessation program comprising psychological support and use of varenicline in a private clinic. Patients were followed with telephonic interviews during one year. A complete abstinence during one year was considered as a success of the program.

Results:

The success rate of the program was 53.4%. The factors associated with failure were a high tobacco dependence rate determined with the Fageström test (Odds ratio (OR) 2.47, 95% confidence intervals (CI) 1.16-5.26, p = 0.02). An instruction level of more than 12 years was associated with a lower failure rate (OR 0.38 95% CI 0.18-0.82).

Conclusions:

A high tobacco dependence rate and a lower education were associated with a higher failure rate of this smoking cessation program.