Predictors of quit attempts and their success in adult general population samples: A systematic review
Author(s)
Eleni Vangeli, John Stapleton, Eline Suzanne Smit, Ron Borland and Robert West.
Presenter(s)
Eleni Vangeli Research Associate, CRUK Health Behaviour Research Centre, University College London
Abstract
Background: The majority of smokers who attempt to stop-smoking do so without formal intervention. Knowledge of the predictors of quit attempts and their success may allow for the better targeting of interventions to promote cessation.
Methods: The literature was searched for studies examining predictors of smoking quit attempts and/or quit attempt success prospectively in adult general population samples. Eight studies met the inclusion criteria.
Results: There was considerable methodological heterogeneity between studies. Motivational factors dominated the prediction of quit attempts whereas only cigarette dependence consistently predicted success after an attempt had been made. Social grade also appeared to predict success but was only examined in two studies. None of the other socio-demographic factors consistently predicted making a quit attempt or success.
Conclusions: Motivation to stop smoking and cigarette dependence are largely associated with different stages of the quitting process but there may be cultural differences. It is important to study making attempts and the success of attempts separately. Achieving common definitions of quit attempts and quit attempt success is needed to afford examination of whether predictors vary accordingly. Similarly, achieving greater uniformity in covariates used will enable identification of predictors via meaningful pooling of results across studies in the future.
Source of funding: Cancer Research UK
Declaration of interest: Robert West undertakes research and consultancy for the following developers and manufacturers of smoking cessation treatments; Pfizer, J&J, McNeil, GSK, Nabi, Novartis and Sanofi-Aventis. Robert West also has a share in the patent of a novel nicotine delivery device. The remaining four authors report no potential conflict of interest.
