Varenicline (Chantix) Treatment for Waterpipe Smoking Cessation
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2021-03-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
Summary
The lack of proven waterpipe smoking cessation interventions makes it important to explore
interventions proven effective for cigarette smoking cessation. The investigators hypothesize
that Varenicline (Chantix) administrated for 12 weeks is associated with higher sustained
quit rate at 12 weeks compared to placebo. The investigators propose to conduct a randomized
double-blind placebo-controlled trial that will evaluate the effect of Varenicline (Chantix),
in two parallel groups each consisting of 76 habitual waterpipe smokers who are willing to
quit. Potential participants will be approached in cafés, word-of-mouth and through media and
will be invited to the American University of Beirut Medical Center to complete study
procedures. Both study groups will receive the same behavioural intervention in combination
with either Varenicline (Chantix), an FDA approved drug indicated for use as an aid to
smoking cessation treatment, or placebo. Participants will complete study procedures in four
visits. During visit-1 the informed consent process, baseline assessments and randomization
will be completed and Varenicline (Chantix) or Placebo will be initiated together with the
behavioural interventions. The behavioural intervention will be continued over the next 2
visits. An end of treatment visit 12 weeks after quit date will be dedicated to assessing
sustained quit rate and other outcomes.