Abstract: Objective · To analyze the choice of smoking cessation methods and its influencing factors in moderate-to-severe nicotine-dependent population.  Methods · A retrospective clinical analysis was conducted for 170 moderate-to-severe nicotine-dependent smoking-quitters (Fagerström scale ≥ 4). Different smoking cessation methods (pharmacotherapy and non-pharmacotherapy) and abstinence rates of the selected population (7 d point prevalence abstinence rates and sustained abstinence rates 1, 3, and 6 months after treatment) were compared and possible influencing factors were analyzed.  Results · The differences in choosing the smoking cessation method in moderate-to-severe nicotine-dependent population with different ages, levels of education, and employment status were statistically significant (P=0.000). The Logistics regression analysis showed that the level of education was the major factor for choosing the smoking cessation method (P=0.006). The 7 d prevalence abstinence rate was much lower for pharmacotherapy than for non-pharmacotherapy 1 month after treatment (P=0.000) and was much higher for pharmacotherapy than for non-pharmacotherapy 3 and 6 months after treatment (P=0.000). The sustained abstinence rate was much higher for pharmacotherapy than for non-pharmacotherapy 3 and 6 months after treatment (P=0.002, P=0.000).  Conclusion · For moderate-to-severe nicotine-dependent smoking-quitters, attention should be paid to the formulation and implementation of personalized strategies. The choice of smoking cessation methods depends on the age, level of education, and employment status. Reasonable pharmacotherapies can significantly increase the abstinence rate.

Key words: moderate-to-severe nicotine-dependent smoking-quitter, choice of method of smoking cessation, abstinence rate, effect factor