Effects of a Pharmacist-Assisted Smoking Cessation Program Combined with Digital Technology–Supported Access to Smoking Cessation Services on Smoking Cessation Behaviors among Patients with Hypertension and Comorbidities at Somdet Hospital, Kalasin Province

Abstract

     This action research, incorporating a one-group pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design, aimed to develop and evaluate a pharmacist-assisted smoking cessation program combined with digital technology-supported access to smoking cessation services. The participants were 14 patients with hypertension, comorbidities, and a history of smoking who received services at Somdet Hospital, Kalasin Province. The PAOR cycle was implemented by integrating the 5A’s approach, pharmacist counseling, and access to services through a QR code, LINE Official Account, and Telehealth Thailand. Data were collected using an interview questionnaire, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, and semi-structured interviews. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and a paired-samples t-test, while qualitative data were analyzed using content analysis.

     After program participation, the mean number of cigarettes smoked decreased from 10.14±4.59 to 6.07±3.34 cigarettes per day (t=6.924, p<.001), while the mean nicotine dependence score decreased from 3.14±2.18 to 1.64±1.45 (t==5.967, p<.001). Among seven participants interested in digital services, four were able to scan the QR code and three successfully registered for Telehealth Thailand, while three still required assistance from healthcare personnel. Qualitative findings indicated that individualized counseling, goal setting, craving management, and continuous follow-up supported smoking reduction. Stress, habitual smoking, social triggers, and limited digital skills remained important barriers.