The efficacy of brief individual and group interventions among light and intermittent smokers
Abstract
Despite the decline in daily smoking between 2005 to 2013, light and intermittent smoking rates have increased. Few studies assessing smoking cessation in light (≤10 cigarettes per day) and intermittent smokers (nondaily smoking; LITS) exist. The current study assessed the efficacy of a brief smoking intervention for light smokers in a predominantly Hispanic young adult sample. Several smoking cessation predictors were identified. Two hundred fifty two light and intermittent smokers were recruited primarily from community health clinics and the University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP). Participants completed baseline measures assessing socio demographics, tobacco use and history, stage of change, and perceived competence (PC). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either the individual intervention (INDI) or group intervention (GI). At the three month follow-up, all participants smoking status, stage of change, nicotine dependence and PC were assessed. Logistic and linear regression models were used to identify predictors of smoking cessation, smoking reduction, motivation to change, and perceived competence. Independent variables included intervention format (INDI vs. GI), age, smoking status, nicotine dependence, and motivation to quit. At three months post testing, results indicated that both intervention conditions were associated with reduction in smoking related behaviors. Lower smoking status and higher motivation to quit at baseline significantly predicted smoking reduction at follow-up. However there was not a statistical significantly difference in cessation, reduction, motivation to quit or perceived competence between participants who received the INDI or the GI. Future efforts should focus on capitalizing on motivation to change and perceived competence to promote smoking cessation.
Subject Area
Public health|Clinical psychology|Hispanic American studies
Recommended Citation
Suro Maldonado, Beatriz, "The efficacy of brief individual and group interventions among light and intermittent smokers" (2016). ETD Collection for University of Texas, El Paso. AAI10118184.
https://scholarworks.utep.edu/dissertations/AAI10118184