Utilizing Multi-Theory Model in Determining Intentions to Smoking Cessation Among Smokers

Area of Science:

• Health Behavior Change
• Behavioral Science
• Public Health

Background:

• Smoking is a significant risk factor for lung cancer and numerous other health issues.
• Understanding predictors of smoking cessation is vital for public health interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To predict smoking cessation initiation and sustenance using the Multi-Theory Model (MTM).
• To evaluate the MTM's utility in a rural Appalachian population.

Main Methods:

• Cross-sectional study involving 148 smokers from rural Kentucky.
• Utilized a validated 38-item MTM-based survey instrument.

Main Results:

• Participatory dialogue and behavioral confidence significantly predicted initiation intention (p < .005).
• Emotional transformation significantly predicted sustenance intention (p = .001).
• MTM constructs explained a moderate variance in cessation behavior.

Conclusions:

• The MTM demonstrates utility in predicting both initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation.
• Future interventions should leverage MTM constructs for smoking cessation behavior change.
• Findings are relevant for community members in rural settings.