Effect of acupressure on smoking cessation in young smokers with nicotine dependence: a mixed methods study

Abstract

Background

Acupressure has been widely used for quitting smoking for a long time in China. This study explores the feasibility and effects of acupressure on smoking cessation in young smokers with nicotine dependence to inform policy and decision-making.

Methods

This was a single group study using pre/post-test design. Participants received four weeks of auricular acupressure treatment, led by a registered acupuncturist. Smoking cravings, nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, and cigarettes per day (CPD) were recorded before and after treatment. Changes in outcomes were analyzed at 2 weeks and 4 weeks using SPSS software version 22.0. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with participants to explore their experience and attitude towards auricular acupressure. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data.

Results

A total of 20 participants completed this study. A significant reduction was observed in smoking cravings (F = 11.02, P < 0.05), nicotine dependence (F = 11.09, P < 0.05), withdrawal symptoms (F = 11.19, P < 0.05), and CPD (F = 19.03, P < 0.05) over sessions. Additionally, withdrawal symptoms decreased significantly from 2 weeks to 4 weeks (P < 0.05) of acupressure treatment. Three inter-related themes emerged from interviews: personal and external resources, psychological and physical effects of acupressure, and satisfaction with acupressure for smoking cessation.

Conclusion

The quantitative and qualitative data suggest that acupressure maybe effective in decreasing nicotine dependence and smoking cravings. However, this was a pilot and single arm study, these effects need to be further verified. The study supports the feasibility and safety of introducing acupressure therapy for smoking cessation in young smokers.