Evaluation of smokers with and without asthma in terms of smoking cessation outcome, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and craving: Findings from a self-guided quit attempt

• Smokers with and without asthma were compared during a self-guided quit attempt.
• There were no group differences in abstinence rates or likelihood of smoking lapse.
• Smokers with asthma had a slower rate of decline in nicotine withdrawal and craving.

IntroductionThe aim of the current study was to evaluate smoking cessation outcome, nicotine withdrawal symptoms, and craving between smokers with (n = 47; 46.8% male, Mage = 40.0 years, SD = 11.7) and without (n = 45; 51.1% male, Mage = 37.5 years, SD = 11.1) asthma during a self-guided quit attempt.MethodsAfter completing a baseline assessment visit, participants attended study sessions on their scheduled quit day as well as follow-up visits (3 days, 7 days, 14 days, and 28 days) after their quit day.ResultsSmokers with and without asthma did not differ in abstinence rates, smoking lapse, and rate of change in urge to smoke to reduce negative affect. However, smokers with asthma demonstrated a slower rate of decline in nicotine withdrawal symptoms and craving over time.ConclusionsThese findings suggest that smokers with asthma may benefit from specialized smoking cessation treatments to address prolonged withdrawal symptoms and craving.