Impact of depressive symptoms on outcomes of a workplace smoking-cessation program

Introduction: Although smoking and depression have been related, little importance is given to the impact of depression on outcomes of smoking cessation interventions in the workplace. The aim of this study was to assess the influence of depressive symptoms and a history of depression on abstinence after a workplace smoking cessation intervention, and to explore the roles of gender, nicotine dependence and antidepressants. Methods: A retrospective study with employees of Barcelona City Council participating on a voluntary basis. The intervention consisted of a multicomponent approach combined with pharmacological treatment. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), and history of depression was noted in the baseline assessment. Results: Higher scores in BDI were associated with lower rates of abstinence at 3, 6 and 12 months. BDI scores ≥ 13 were related to a 1.81× higher likelihood of relapse. This relationship was independent of the effect of dependence severity, of gender and of treatment with antidepressants. In contrast, a history of depression did not influence outcomes. Conclusions: New therapeutic strategies are needed to reduce the impact of employees' depressive symptoms in workplace smoking cessation programmes.