ISLAMABAD: Smoking cessation may require more than a single approach, as experts highlight the importance of tailoring quitting support to the individual needs and circumstances of each smoker.
A recent report published by Parhlo noted that quitting smoking is often a long process involving repeated attempts, challenges and setbacks. While some smokers manage to quit on their first attempt, many continue to struggle despite wanting to stop.
According to Pakistan’s Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) 2024, tobacco use among people aged 15 and above declined from 19.1% in 2014 to 16.1% in 2024. Smoking prevalence also fell from 12.4% to 9.8% during the same period. However, the proportion of smokers who attempted to quit remained almost unchanged, falling only slightly from 24.7% to 24.1%.
Experts say these figures show that reducing smoking prevalence and helping current smokers quit are two different challenges. Factors such as smoking history, nicotine dependence, previous quitting attempts and an individual’s health circumstances can influence the chances of successfully giving up cigarettes.
Consultant Physician Dr. Prof. Syed Iqbal Shah said healthcare professionals should move away from a one-size-fits-all strategy and instead provide evidence-based guidance based on each patient’s circumstances.
The discussion also includes tobacco harm reduction for adults who have been unable to quit despite repeated, well-supported attempts. Experts stress that completely stopping tobacco use remains the best outcome, while harm-reduction approaches are considered part of a wider conversation about alternatives for adults who continue to smoke.
The report also referenced a Cochrane review involving 88 completed studies and 27,235 participants. The review found high-certainty evidence that nicotine e-cigarettes increased smoking cessation rates compared with nicotine replacement therapy, although vaping is not risk-free and should not be encouraged among people who do not smoke, particularly young people.
Experts believe Pakistan’s tobacco-control efforts can be strengthened by combining prevention, accessible quitting support, personalised medical advice and accurate public-health information. Recognising that smokers face different barriers may help healthcare professionals provide more effective support throughout the quitting process.
