Implications for future research
In this network meta-analysis, we compared different drugs and assessed the level of evidence for different interventions or comparisons. In general, we have made meaningful discoveries. At the same time, in the process of conducting this research, we are still able to provide some implications for future research. First, for drinking smokers, they are a special group of people. Currently, there are a limited number of clinical trials of smoking cessation in such populations, and for some RCTs involving very small sample sizes. Therefore, we look forward to future studies that will focus on such people while also expanding the sample in the trial design to improve the validity of the research evidence. Moreover, following scientific guidance in methodology, the details of the trial design process should be clearly reported. High quality meta-analysis (MA) is increasingly regarded as one of the key tools to obtain evidence, so it is necessary to improve the quality of randomized controlled trials. 38At the same time, researchers should investigate the potential impact of population variables on outcomes. Because participants’ age, degree of tobacco dependence, drug dosage, duration of intervention, and degree of alcoholism may all be important variables that affect smoking outcomes.
Second, the enrichment of intervention methods is an important step to provide the best evidence for clinical decision-making. However, judging from the research published so far, smoking cessation interventions for drinking smokers are mainly some drugs, other non-pharmacological interventions are rarely seen. Moreover, in these drug trials, it is basically a comparison between one specific drug and placebo. Therefore, future research can explore more intervention models, such as psychotherapy, acupuncture, or non-invasive brain stimulation, etc., which can also be applied to this group of people. At the same time, for pharmacological intervention, more drugs can be considered in one trial to achieve direct comparison between different drugs. Meanwhile we should also actively explore the effect of the combination of these drugs on the outcome of smoking cessation. Finally, the safety and applicability of these drugs should also be fully considered, and timely preventive measures should be taken for inapplicable populations or serious adverse events. Moreover, there should be a detailed record of the usage, dosage, and duration of these drugs.