Pfizer Quitter’s Survey reveals importance of doctor consultation

A survey sponsored by Pfizer has revealed the importance of seeking the assistance of a doctor when attempting to quit smoking.

The Quitter’s Survey found that 84 per cent of ex-smokers who consulted with their doctor or another healthcare professional admitted that giving up would have been more difficult if they had tried to quit alone.

Conducted by Double Helix Development, over 1,000 smokers were asked to share their experiences of kicking the habit.

It also found that three-quarters of respondents would recommend consultation with a doctor to others who wanted to quit smoking.

Onno van Schavck, professor general practice at the University of Maastricht in the Netherlands, emphasised how powerful smoking was an addiction.

“What this survey highlights is how instrumental doctors can be in helping smokers quit ?these results reinforce that smokers who are serious about giving up should make a point of speaking to their doctor,” he advised.

The survey also revealed some of the respondents’ motivations to quit with nearly half of smokers indicating potential health problems as the main reason, while the cost and the negative impact on family health were other factors that were behind people’s decision to stop.

Also this week, Pfizer has initiated a phase II clinical study in Japan investigating an experimental new medicine for the treatment of glaucoma.