ABSTRACT
Among 593 smokers examined within the framework of the programme of multifactorial prevention of ischaemic heart disease [IHD], various smoking control measures were taken for combating smoking (lecture with discussion, group and individual sessions). Smokers with arterial hypertension and/or IHD were given antismoking advice by their physicians. After one year 20.7% persons of the whole group stopped smoking, and 25.3% reduced the number of daily consumed cigarettes by at least one quarter. The total number of smokers decreased by 8.1% (p = 0.0005). In the control group, the smoking habit changed only insignificantly. The greatest success (50% of persons who gave up smoking) was obtained at group discussions, using positive motivation to stop smoking; the smallest effect (12.2%) was reached among patients where the antismoking campaign was entrusted to their physicians. Persons who were given greatest attention in the antismoking campaign (patients participating in group discussions) showed the lowest percentage of those who reported for annual examination within the framework of the programme of multifactorial prevention of IHD.
