Comparative Impact of Mindfulness Yoga Vs Traditional Counseling on Smoking Cessation in Two WHO Index Age Groups Across Three Occupational Sectors in Guntur City: A Double-Blind RCT

Abstract

Tobacco use is a leading cause of premature deaths worldwide and a significant risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The main forms of tobacco products, whether they are smoked, inhaled, or sucked, cause severe damage to health.  Every year, around 8 million people are affected by severe illnesses, resulting in deaths.   Treatments for tobacco dependency frequently include a variety of tobacco programs, such as Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and other general wellness initiatives. Yoga, especially pranayama breathing exercises, and related psychotherapy ideas rooted in yoga philosophy have demonstrated potential in treating addiction-related issues. Research has demonstrated that smokers' addictive behavior is significantly impacted by Mindfulness Yogic Practices (MYP). Traditional counseling approaches (TCM) and MYP improve cessation outcomes, increase mood and well-being, and reduce stress.

METHODS/DESIGN:  This study analyzes the effects of MYP intervention mixed with TCM intervention vs TCM intervention and No Treatment (NT) control group on craving effect, withdrawal, and smoking habit. Baseline evaluations, treatment completion (week 8), and follow-up at 3 and 6 months are examples of outcome measurements. Dependency rate-anxiety, depression, stress (a psychological metric), hypertension, gingivitis, periodontitis (dental issues), CO levels, and cotinine levels are among the baseline measurements that need to be examined and reported. DISCUSSION: Innovative treatments are aimed at quitting smoking among working people.  The chosen study design, Randomized Control Trail (RCT), will allow for the exploration of vulnerable mediators of intervention efficacy, examining how mindfulness-based yogic practices may serve as an alternative treatment for smoking cessation. 

RESULT: If yoga proves to be a successful intervention, it could provide a substitute for standard counseling methods in lowering stress and negative symptoms associated with smoking cessation, as well as lowering the likelihood that recent quitters would relapse.