Smoking Cessation Interventions to Reduce COPD Symptoms: Scoping Review

Abstract

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways with high morbidity and mortality rates. Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor, and smoking cessation has been shown to slow disease progression and improve patient functional capacity. However, the success of smoking cessation in COPD patients is still low, so effective and evidence-based behavioral interventions are needed. Objective: This scoping review aims to map and synthesize evidence regarding the effectiveness of behavioral intervention strategies for smoking cessation in COPD patients and their impact on respiratory symptoms and self-management abilities. Methods: A literature search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. Articles published in 2020–2025, in English or Indonesian, involving COPD patients aged ≥40 years, and indexed by Scopus Q1–Q3 were selected using PRISMA-ScR guidelines and the Arksey and O'Malley framework. Results: Of the 1,284 articles identified, 20 studies met the inclusion criteria. The three main intervention categories include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Motivational Interviewing (MI) combined with pharmacotherapy, and mobile health (mHealth)-based self-management programs. The combination of MI, CBT, and pharmacotherapy resulted in the highest rates of smoking abstinence (52–68%) at 12-month follow-up. The mHealth program also improved COPD Assessment Test (CAT) scores, mMRC scores, and patient self-efficacy in managing symptoms. Conclusion: A multicomponent behavioral intervention that integrates CBT, MI, pharmacotherapy, and digital technology is the most effective strategy to support smoking cessation and improve self-management in COPD patients, so it is worthy of being integrated into hospital and community-based pulmonary rehabilitation programs.