Are predictors of making a quit attempt the same as predictors of 3-month abstinence from smoking? Findings from a sample of smokers recruited for a study of computer-tailored smoking cessation advice in primary care.
OBJECTIVE
To identify predictors of quit attempts and of 3-month abstinence from cigarette smoking.


METHODS
Secondary analysis of data gathered for a two-armed randomized controlled trial with 6-month follow-up.


METHODS
A total of 123 general practices across the United Kingdom.


METHODS
A total of 4397 participants who completed the 6-month follow-up. Participants were categorized on self-reported smoking behaviour at 6-month follow-up as non-attempters (n = 2664), attempted quitters (n = 1548) and successful quitters (n = 185).


METHODS
Demographic characteristics, smoking history and nicotine dependence, cognitive and social-environmental factors measured at baseline were examined as potential predictors of quit attempts and 3-month abstinence.


RESULTS
Univariate predictors of quit attempts included commitment [odds ratio (OR) = 11.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 8.30-16.32], motivation (OR = 2.10, 95% CI = 1.98-2.22) and determination to quit (OR = 1.94, 95% CI = 1.83-2.05). Successful quitting was associated with being married (OR = 1.51, 95% CI = 1.11-2.05), lower social deprivation (OR = 0.47, 95% CI = 0.30-0.74), higher reading level (OR = 1.62, 95% CI = 1.19-2.21) and lower nicotine dependence (OR = 0.42, 95% CI = 0.29-0.62). Health problems related to smoking and previous quit attempts for 3 months or longer predicted both. In the multivariate analysis, the significant predictors of making a quit attempt were; later stage of readiness to quit (OR = 5.38, 95% CI = 3.67-7.89), motivation (OR = 1.48, 95% CI = 1.34-1.62) and determination to quit (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.05-1.29) and health problems related to smoking (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.18-1.75). For 3-month abstinence, the only significant predictor was not having health problems related to smoking (OR = 0.50, 95% CI = 0.29-0.83).


CONCLUSIONS
While high motivation and determination to quit is necessary to prompt an attempt to quit smoking, demographic factors and level of nicotine dependence are more important for maintaining abstinence.
Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
Dimitra
D
Kale
Research Department of Primary Care and Population Health, University College Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, UK.
Hazel M
HM
Gilbert
Behavioural Science Group, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK.
Stephen
S
Sutton
D000328:Adult; D001294:Attitude to Health; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D017533:Marital Status; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011320:Primary Health Care; D012907:Smoking / Q000628:therapy*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods*; D012923:Social Class; D012944:Social Support; D013813:Therapy, Computer-Assisted / Q000379:methods*; D014029:Tobacco Use Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
General population; longitudinal study; predictors; quit attempt success; quit attempts; smoking