Smoking cessation support groups in Israel: a long-term follow-up.
BACKGROUND
Smoking is the most important preventable cause of chronic disease in the western world. Many smokers want to quit, but have difficulty overcoming the addictive effect of nicotine.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the quitting rate of smokers who participated in smoking cessation groups and to characterize predictors of success or failure over a 1-3 years follow-up period.


METHODS
We studied 89 participants in 7 groups. Questionnaires were completed at baseline and after a follow-up period of 1 to 3 years. Smoking cessation was determined by self-report and a carbon monoxide breath test.


RESULTS
Of the 89 participants in the support groups 76 (85%) were located. An intention-to-treat analysis was done for these participants. At follow-up 25 (33%) were non-smokers. There was a 95% agreement rate between self-report of smoking status and CO breath analysis. There were no differences between quitters and non-quitters in education level, gender, age at initiation of smoking, previous quit attempts, extent of participation in group meetings, concern about gaining weight, Fagerstrom index, or the number of close friends or relatives who smoke. Belief in one's ability to quit, satisfaction with group meetings, and spouse support were significantly associated with success (P < 0.01).


CONCLUSIONS
The quit rate was 33%. Self-report is a reliable method for assessing smoking status. Smokers' belief in their ability to quit must be reinforced. Spouse participation in some group meetings may be beneficial, as may the involvement of a dietician and an expert on exercise. Follow-up "booster" meetings may also help.
Sperber
A D
AD
Unit of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel. amy@bgumail.bgu.ac.il
Goren-Lerer
M
M
Peleg
A
A
Friger
M
M
D000328:Adult; D001521:Behavior Therapy; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007557:Israel; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D016540:Smoking Cessation; D012944:Social Support