Predictors of short-term success in smoking cessation in relation to attendance at a smoking cessation program

The identification of individual characteristics that predict success in smoking cessation is necessary to improve the effectiveness of smoking cessation efforts. The aim of this study was to identify the factors that predict success in smoking cessation in people who attended 2, 3, 4, or 5 sessions of a smoking cessation program.

The participants comprised 2,471 people who attended at least 2 consultations during a 5-week smoking cessation program. Success in smoking cessation was defined as self-reported abstinence and having an exhaled carbon monoxide level ≤10 parts per million at the final consultation. Baseline characteristics were compared using univariate analysis of variance and the chi-square test. A stepwise multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the effect of baseline characteristics and the slopes of the withdrawal symptoms on the success in smoking cessation.

Participating in a higher number of sessions gradually increased the chance of smoking cessation from 12.1% to 61.2% (p < .0001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the independent predictors of success in smoking cessation were being male; low nicotine dependence; smoking few cigarettes per day at baseline; having no history of depression; having low values for craving for cigarettes, irritability, frustration, anger, or nocturnal awakening at baseline; decreased craving for cigarettes and restlessness with time; and use of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). People who attended more sessions tended to be older.

Attending more sessions of a smoking cessation program, NRT, and coping with withdrawal and psychosocial symptoms increases the chance of short-term success in smoking cessation.