Cognitive barriers to calling a smoking quitline.
BACKGROUND
This study examined cognitive barriers that might prevent cigarette smokers who are interested in quitting from calling a smoking quitline.


METHODS
Using qualitative and quantitative methods, we developed a 53-item inventory of possible cognitive barriers to quitline access. A total of 641 daily smokers who reported high intentions to stop smoking in the next 30 days completed this inventory and were then prompted to call a toll-free smoking quitline (800-QUIT NOW) on 3 occasions. Two months later, they completed a follow-up phone interview to assess use of the quitline, quit attempts, and smoking status.


RESULTS
Exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis of the barrier items revealed a 5-factor solution: stigma, low appraisal of the service, no need for assistance, poor fit with the service, and privacy concerns. Endorsements of barrier factors were generally low. Although several barrier factor scores predicted concurrent intentions to call a quitline in the near future, none prospectively predicted calling the quitline by 2-month follow-up.


CONCLUSIONS
Cognitive barriers to use of quitlines remain elusive.
Health Promotion Research, University of Vermont, 429 AR4, 1 South Prospect Street, Burlington, VT 05401-3444, USA. laura.solomon@uvm.edu
Laura J
LJ
Solomon
John R
JR
Hughes
Amy
A
Livingston
Shelly
S
Naud
Peter W
PW
Callas
Erica N
EN
Peters
Jody
J
Kamon
Jean-Francois
JF
Etter
D006293:Health Promotion / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015277:Hotlines / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*