PREDICTING SMOKING CESSATION OUTCOME IN A MEDICAL-CENTER FROM STAGE OF READINESS - CONTEMPLATION VERSUS ACTION

Background. This study shows the clinical utility of Prochaska and DiClemente's stages of readiness for treating nicotine dependence in a medical center. Methods. Six hundred forty-eight patients were retrospectively studied in either the contemplation or the action stage of readiness. Results. Statistical analysis showed the action stage to be the most significant predictor of smoking cessation at 6 months. Individuals in the action stage had twice the 6-month cessation rate as those in the contemplation stage (41.5% versus 20.3%, P < 0.001). Other significant predictors of smoking cessation included a low Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire score (less-than-or-equal-to 6) and the patient's report of a current disease but no past history of disease worsened by smoking. Conclusions. This study shows the potential clinical application of this theoretical model for providing treatment for smokers. (C) 1994 Academic Press, Inc.