Predictors of smoking cessation in patients admitted for acute coronary heart disease

Background Smoking cessation is probably the most important single action after a coronary event. In order to increase the effectiveness of smoking cessation programs, it is important to have knowledge of the predictors of smoking cessation. Further, it is unknown whether smoking cessation programs have impact on these predictors. Methods Data were obtained from a randomized controlled trial of smoking cessation intervention in 240 smokers aged less than 76 years admitted for myocardial infarction, unstable angina, or cardiac bypass surgery. Baseline characteristics were prospectively recorded. Smoking cessation was determined by self report and biochemical verification at 12 months follow-up. Results In multivariate logistic regression analysis, a high level of nicotine addiction, low level of self-confidence in quitting and having previous coronary heart disease were significant negative predictors of smoking cessation at 12 months follow-up. Having previous coronary heart disease and a diagnosis other than acute myocardial infarction as a reason for admission were important negative predictors of abstinence in the usual care group, in contrast to the intervention group, although this did not reach a level of significance in the subgroup interaction analyses. A high level of nicotine addiction was a strong negative predictor in both groups. Conclusion A high level of nicotine addiction is an important negative predictor of smoking cessation, even within an individualized smoking cessation program. Smoking cessation intervention seems to be especially effective in patients with previous coronary heart disease and in patients with unstable angina or coronary artery bypass surgery, compared to usual care.