Every year on May 31st, we observe World No Tobacco Day, which aims to raise awareness about the harmful effects of smoking and to encourage smokers to quit. On this occasion, it’s worth highlighting findings from high-quality research that show what truly helps people overcome nicotine addiction.

One of the most essential tools for evidence-based decision-making in healthcare is, without a doubt, the Cochrane systematic reviews. Cochrane also operates in the Czech Republic, where it focuses on spreading scientifically supported strategies and fulfilling international health commitments. It actively collaborates with local experts and national guideline developers. That’s why we used the systematic review titled Healthcare financing systems for increasing the use of tobacco dependence treatment in the development of the National Guideline “Tobacco Use and Brief Intervention for Smokers in All Screening Programs.”

What does the Cochrane review on financial interventions show?

The Cochrane systematic review examined whether reducing or fully covering the cost of tobacco dependence treatment increases the likelihood that smokers will quit. The results are clear:

• More people attempted to quit when treatment was free (4 studies, 9,065 participants).
• More people used available treatments, such as nicotine replacement therapies or support programs (7 studies, 9,455 participants).
• More people successfully quit smoking (6 studies, 9,333 participants).

On the other hand, financial incentives for healthcare providers did not significantly increase patients' quit rates, although they did lead to more frequent counseling being offered.

Why is this important?

Each year, more than 8 million people die from smoking-related causes. Yet tobacco dependence is one of the most treatable chronic conditions, if people have access to quality and affordable support. This review shows that removing financial barriers is an effective way to help smokers on their journey to quit.

Of the eight studies that included an economic evaluation, results showed that the cost per successful quitter was low to moderate, which indicates that financial support is cost-effective.

What can we take from this on May 31st?

World No Tobacco Day is a good time to reflect on how we can promote healthier lifestyles. Providing free access to tobacco dependence treatment is not a cost, it’s an investment in health. And thanks to independent systematic reviews like those from Cochrane, we have strong evidence that this investment pays off.

Cochrane Czech Republic actively contributes to the dissemination of these independent and trustworthy findings in the Czech healthcare system and supports evidence-based decision-making. In doing so, we aim to help more people live healthier and longer lives.