Self-efficacy related to smoking cessation in general practice patients

Many investigators have assessed smoking cessation rates following physician advice to quit. The reasons why some patients comply and others do not need to be examined. The present study assessed the relationship among three dimensions of self-perception and smoking cessation in a group of 199 patients of family practitioners. The cohort was followed for 6 months, and statistical models were developed based on measurements made immediately after advice and smoking status 6 months later. Analyses revealed that 70.0% of the group could be correctly classified as to their smoking status at follow-up and that some of the constructs of self-perception could be used to explain their behavior. Implications for treatment of smoking in family practice settings are discussed.