The Effect of Thai Traditional Medicine Methods on Reducing Cigarette Cravings Ban Duea Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital, Tha Bo District, Nong Khai Province.

Abstract

      This study was quasi-experimental research aimed to study the effect of reducing cigarette cravings using Traditional Thai medicine methods, assess the Continuous Abstinence Rate (CAR) at week 4, and monitor adverse drug reactions from herbal medicine use. Study conducted among participants at Ban Duea Sub-district Health Promotion Hospital, Tha Bo District, Nong Khai Province, from July 2024 to January 2025, for a total of 6 months. Sixty participants were divided into three groups of 20 each: one group used Thunbergia laurifolia (Rang Jued) herbal steam therapy, another used Thunbergia laurifolia capsule, and the third used Vernonia cinerea (L)Less (Ya Dok Khao) herbal tea, all in conjunction with behavioral counseling (psychotherapy). Data was collected using a research project record form, including general information, the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), and the Questionnaire of Smoking Urges-Brief (QSU-brief). Follow-up appointments were scheduled weekly to monitor outcomes and adverse drug reactions for 4 weeks. General data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, including frequency, percentage, mean, and standard deviation. Differences in the mean cigarette craving scores among the sample groups were compared using One-way ANOVA for pre- and post-intervention measurements. A significance level of p < 0.05 was used.

      Results: After the intervention, the Sida acuta herbal tea group had the lowest mean cigarette craving score at 25.65 ± 11.061, followed by the Thunbergia laurifolia capsule group at 28.70 ± 10.883, and the Thunbergia laurifolia herbal steam therapy group at 38.50 ± 12.015. The mean nicotine dependence level, cigarette craving level, and Continuous Abstinence Rate (CAR) at week 4 significantly decreased from pre- to post-intervention (p-value < 0.05). Reported adverse reactions included dry mouth, dry throat, tongue numbness, and dizziness.