[The significance of social support in the maintenance of smoking abstinence in the population smoking cessation program].
According to I.G. Sarason social support is the help provided to the individual in difficult and stressful situations. In this study we have assumed that quitting smoking is a very stressful situation for the smokers. Therefore, they need social support from the others (family, friends, co-workers, health personnel).


METHODS
1. One-year follow up survey of a random sample (n=993) of the Quit & Win 2000 participants in Poland. The data collection method was obtained through mail questionnaire (response rate = 65.6%). 2. Results of the comparative data analysis of one-year follow up survey from 20 countries-organizers of the Quit & Win 2000. The aims of the study were to recognize: 1. impact of social support on the quitting smoking process from the decision to participate in the campaign till the maintenance of one-year abstinence, 2. lack of social support as the reason for relapse.


CONCLUSIONS
In Poland the Quit & Win 2000 participants achieved the highest continuous complete abstinence rate (43%, mean=26.3) and the lowest social support (no support 42%, mean= 25.9) out of 20 countries. Analysis of data suggested that the social support was the important factor for smokers in encouraging them to participate in the campaign and try to quit. There aren't statistical relationships between social support and one-year abstinence (p>0.05) as well as between lack of support and relapse (p>0.05).


CONCLUSIONS
The significance of social support in quitting smoking process needs the further exploration.
Broszkiewicz
Marzenna
M
Katedra Medycyny Społecznej i Zapobiegawczej Uniwersytetu Medycznego w Lodzi. office@cindi.org.pl
Szymańska
Irena
I
Pikala
Małgorzata
M
Drygas
Wojciech
W
D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011044:Poland; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires