A randomised controlled trial of motivational interviewing for smoking cessation.
BACKGROUND
Motivational interviewing is a technique used to promote change in addictive behaviour, initially used to treat alcoholism. Despite this, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently demonstrated for giving up smoking.


OBJECTIVE
The aim of the study was to establish whether motivational interviewing, compared with anti-smoking advice, is more effective for giving up the habit.


METHODS
Randomised controlled trial.


METHODS
Primary care in Albecete, Spain.


METHODS
Random experimental study of 200 smokers assigned to two types of interventions: anti-smoking advice (n = 86) and motivational interviewing (n = 114). Subjects in both groups were offered bupropion when nicotine dependency was high (Fagerström score >7). The success rate was evaluated by intention to treat; point prevalence abstinence was measured 6 and 12 months post intervention by personal testimony, confirmed by means of CO-oximetry (value < 6ppm).


RESULTS
The measure of effectiveness of the treatment for giving up smoking after both 6 and 12 months, showed that the motivational interviewing action was 5.2 times higher than anti-smoking advice (18.4 % compared to 3.4%; 95% confidence interval = 1.63 to 17.13).


CONCLUSIONS
The results of our study show that motivational interviewing is more effective than brief advice for giving up smoking.
Soria
Raimundo
R
Zone I Health Centre, Calle los Refranes no. 17, Albacete, Spain.
Legido
Almudena
A
Escolano
Concepión
C
López Yeste
Ana
A
Montoya
Julio
J
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods* / Q000523:psychology; D016896:Treatment Outcome