Smoking and the Ø pattern; predictors of transitions through the stages of change.

Pre-contemplators, contemplators and preparers have previously been described by distinct scores on pros, social influence and self-efficacy, the Ø pattern. The objective of this study was to replicate this pattern in a sample of adult smokers (n = 554), to longitudinally observe stage sequence and identify predictors for forward and backward stage transition. Three hypotheses were formulated: (i) forward transition from pre-contemplation will be predicted by a higher perception of pros concerning smoking cessation, (ii) backward transition from contemplation will be predicted by a lower perception of pros of quitting smoking and (iii) forward transition from preparation will be predicted by a higher self-efficacy perception concerning smoking cessation. The Ø pattern was replicated successfully. Smokers appeared to be more likely to transition to an adjacent stage than to skip a stage in the sequence. For prediction of stage transition, separate analyses were conducted for pre-contemplators, contemplators and preparers. Respondents transitioning forward were compared with respondents remaining in the same stage or transitioning backward and vice versa. Hypothesis (i) and (iii) were confirmed. Additionally, self-efficacy predicted forward transition from pre-contemplation. Implications towards improving interventions and research concerning stage transition are discussed.

Predictors of smoking relapse in a sample of Dutch adult smokers; the roles of gender and action plans.

BACKGROUND: The object of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and the additional protective quality of action plans on the occurrence of relapse in smokers after a pharmacy-based minimal intervention strategy. METHODS: Respondents received a written baseline questionnaire, based on the I-Change Model, and were contacted 3 months after baseline by telephone. RESULTS: A total of 223 respondents were included in relapse analyses. Relapse was predicted by intention, the use of pharmacotherapy and action plans. Predictors differed for men and women. CONCLUSIONS: Action plans provide a protective value against smoking relapse. Men and women did not differ in relapse rates, but predictors differed. Developers of relapse prevention activities should consider developing programmes based on gender. These programmes could also benefit from making use of action plans as a method for preventing relapse.