Follow up assessment: The primary end point was 7-day point prevalence smoking abstinence at 24 weeks following randomization, defined as self-reported abstinence in the past week before the 24 week clinic visit confirmed by a measured exhaled carbon monoxide ≤8 ppm. Participants with self-reported abstinence who had exhaled carbon monoxide values >8 ppm, or who reported any smoking in the last week and exhaled carbon monoxide ≤8 ppm were classified as current smokers. Secondary endpoints included measures, by a face-to-face survey, of compliance to medication, the occurrence of side effects of NRT (allergic skin reaction), the withdrawal symptoms (nervousness, headache, lack of concentration, insomnia, and craving) and the benefits of smoking cessation (improvement of respiratory signs, increased appetite, sleep quality improvement, enhancement of physical activity). Compliance to treatment was defined as good if the wearing nicotine patches was on a regular basis.