Smoking Cessation Interventions in Stroke Patients
Smoking Cessation Interventions in Stroke Patients
The primary objective of the present randomized controlled trial is to compare the
 effectiveness of three anti-smoking interventions of different intensities. It has been
 hypothesised that early follow-up visits facilitate post-stroke smoking cessation in patients
 hospitalized because of first-ever ischemic stroke.
BACKGROUND: It is well known, that continued smoking after stroke increases the risk of death
 and stroke recurrence within a few years after the first stroke. Searching for more efficient
 methods of antismoking interventions is therefore justified.

 OBJECTIVES: The primary objective of the present study is to compare the effectiveness of
 three anti-smoking interventions of different intensities.

 DESIGN: Randomized, controlled trial.

 METHODS: Study participants will be recruited among patients of neurological clinics of
 Institute of Psychiatry and Neurology, hospitalized because of their first in a lifetime
 ischemic stroke. All stroke patients will be screened regarding their smoking status. The
 subjects will be patients smoking cigarettes immediately before their first-ever stroke, able
 to understand the research protocol procedures and able to cooperate during the
 investigation.

 Antismoking interventions will be based on the "5A's" method. Study participants will be
 randomized to one of three interventions differing in follow-up intensity.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  Patients smoking immediately prior to stroke

 -  The first in the lifetime ischemic stroke

 -  Ability to understand the research protocol procedures and cooperation during the
 investigation

 -  Reported availability of and declaration to participate in follow-up

 -  Informed consent to participate in the study

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  Severe stroke

 -  Stroke onset more than 3 weeks before admission

 -  History of previous stroke with clinical symptoms

 -  Hemorrhagic stroke

 -  Diagnosis of dementia or presence of other neurological disease (Parkinson's disease,
 amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's chorea, a previous
 subarachnoid haemorrhage, meningitis, cerebral trauma in an interview)