Demographic variables, smoking variables, and outcome across five studies
Wayne F Velicer1, Colleen A Redding, Xiaowu Sun
1Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, Kingston, RI 02881, USA. velicer@uri.edu
Summary
Smoking cessation intervention effectiveness varies by individual characteristics. Tailoring interventions to dynamic smoking behaviors, not static demographics, shows greater promise for success.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Intervention effectiveness can be influenced by demographic and smoking behavior variables.
- Previous research on these factors has yielded inconsistent results.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze how demographic subgroups and smoking behavior variables affect intervention effectiveness.
- To identify which factors are most predictive of successful smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of 5 smoking cessation trials involving proactive recruitment.
- Intervention involved a standardized expert system.
- Outcomes measured included point prevalence and prolonged abstinence at various time points.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in cessation rates were found across gender, race, or ethnicity.
- Age and education showed significant differences with small effect sizes.
- All five smoking behavior variables demonstrated significant differences with large effect sizes.
Conclusions:
- Demographic variables are static, while smoking behaviors are dynamic and amenable to change.
- Interventions tailored to dynamic smoking behavior variables are likely to be more successful due to larger effect sizes.
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