Gender differences among smokers receiving interventions for tobacco dependence in a medical setting

Objective: The purpose of this study was to assess differences between women and men receiving treatment for tobacco dependence through a clinical treatment program. Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of clinical data collected on 2139 ambulatory and 1259 hospitalized smokers receiving individualized tobacco dependence treatment from Jan 1, 2004 to Dec 31, 2005 through the Mayo Clinic Nicotine Dependence Center. Results: Overall, female smokers smoked less than males (p < 0.001); were less likely to have received treatment for alcoholism (p < 0.001); were more likely to have received treatment for past depression (p < 0.001); were also less likely to have started smoking prior to 18 years of age (p = 0.004 and p = 0.008 for ambulatory and hospitalized patients, respectively); were less likely to be married (p < 0.001); were less likely to be tobacco dependent (hospitalized smokers only p = 0.04); and were more likely to have received a prescription for a smoking cessation medication (ambulatory smokers only, p = 0.034). After adjustment for baseline characteristics, women and men did not differ in tobacco abstinence outcomes. Conclusion: Although many gender differences are present among patients treated in a large ambulatory and hospital based tobacco treatment programs, gender is not associated with failure to achieve smoking abstinence.