Efficiency of behaviour support interventions for smokeless tobacco cessation by dentists

Smokeless tobacco use is very common in South Asia, but there is limited evidence on effective ways to help users quit. This randomized study evaluated a face-to-face behavioural support program (BISCA) compared with self-help materials among adult smokeless tobacco users attending a dental hospital. One hundred participants who were motivated to quit were included. The BISCA group showed better outcomes for most tobacco withdrawal symptoms and slightly higher quit rates than the self-help group, though the difference was not statistically significant. Given the high prevalence of smokeless tobacco use in South Asia, stronger evidence from larger studies with long-term follow-up is urgently needed to guide tobacco control efforts.