Common predictors of smoking cessation in clinical practice.
Although smoking cessation is clearly beneficial, many smokers respond poorly to smoking cessation efforts with rather disappointing overall success rate of long-term abstinence. The perceived lack of effectiveness of smoking cessation may well influence how physicians set their priorities with regard to an effective use of their consultation time. Negative beliefs and attitudes can be resolved by advancing the general understanding of the natural history of quitting, by making sensible use of smoking cessation services, and by being aware of the correct use of drugs for nicotine dependence when prescribed. In particular, a better understanding of predictors of success in smoking cessation can help physicians in identifying smokers who stand a fair chance of quitting. The purpose of the present article is to review those predictors of smoking cessation that can be of help in routine clinical consultation.
Caponnetto
Pasquale
P
Centro per la prevenzione e cura del tabagismo, Department of Internal and Specialistic Medicine, University of Catania, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Vittorio Emanuele - Ferrarotto - Santo Bambino, 95124 Catania, Italy. capasqu@yahoo.it
Polosa
Riccardo
R
D000367:Age Factors; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology; D009042:Motivation; D011379:Prognosis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D012931:Social Environment; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000523:psychology