Intention to quit smoking: is the partner's smoking status associated with the smoker's intention to quit?
J Rüge1, S Ulbricht, A Schumann
1Ernst-Moritz-Arndt-University Greifswald, Institute for Epidemiology and Social Medicine, Greifswald, Germany.
Background:
Smoking behavior among couples is often similar.
Purpose:
The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the partner's smoking status and the intention to stop smoking of the index person.
Method:
Cross-sectional data of 1,044 patients in a random sample of 34 general medical practices in northeastern Germany were analyzed.
Results:
Among smokers with a non-smoking partner (SNP), more intended to quit smoking in the next six months (37.0% vs. 31.4%), compared to smokers with a smoking partner (SSP). Also, more SNP intended to quit in the next four weeks (4.7% vs. 2.7%) compared to SSP. SNP were more active in the use of self-change strategies than SSP.
Conclusion:
The data confirm that the partner's smoking status is related to the intention to quit smoking. Interventions should address the different needs of both smokers with a smoking partner and those with a non-smoking partner.
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