Shaping reduced smoking in smokers without cessation plans

Area of Science:

• Behavioral Science
• Addiction Research
• Public Health

Background:

• Most smokers do not intend to quit within six months.
• Previous research showed percentile schedules reduced breath carbon monoxide (BCO) in smokers attempting to quit using a 9-sample window.
• This study investigates a more responsive 4-sample window for smokers not actively planning to quit.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness of a 4-sample window percentile schedule compared to a 9-sample window.
• To assess the impact on breath carbon monoxide (BCO) levels, quit readiness, and self-efficacy in smokers not planning to quit.
• To determine if a more responsive procedure enhances abstinence.

Main Methods:

• Participants were divided into two groups, one using a 4-sample window and the other a 9-sample window for reinforcement criteria.
• Breath carbon monoxide (BCO) levels were monitored.
• Measures of quit readiness and cessation self-efficacy were assessed.

Main Results:

• Both groups showed substantial reductions in BCO levels.
• Readiness to quit and cessation self-efficacy increased in both groups.
• The 4-sample window group had more participants achieve BCO levels below 4 ppm (indicating recent abstinence), reaching this level faster and for more visits.

Conclusions:

• A 4-sample window percentile schedule is more effective than a 9-sample window for reducing BCO levels in smokers not planning to quit.
• This responsive procedure accelerates abstinence and increases motivation to quit.
• Findings suggest tailoring reinforcement schedules can improve smoking cessation interventions.