ABSTRACT
This study examines differences in motivation for quitting smoking, withdrawal experiences and weight changes in younger and older aged women who entered a smoking cessation program designed specifically for women smokers. In an assessment prior to quitting smoking 26 women aged 20-49 years (younger-aged women) and 19 women aged 50-75 years (older-aged women) did not show differences in number of prior quit attempts or their dependence on nicotine (as measured in the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire). The older aged women smoked for a significantly greater number of years but smoked fewer cigarettes per day than the younger women. In a self-report questionnaire the two age groups differed in their reasons stated for wanting to give up cigarettes and symptoms of illness they experienced related to smoking. The average weight gains for women who quit smoking were minimal (3.5 lb, younger; 3.9 lb, older; 1 lb = 0.453 592/37 kg) although more younger women than older women reported they expected difficulty with weight gain after cessation. Changes in withdrawal experiences were not significantly different at any point during the initial phase of quitting (24, 48 and 72 h).
Subject(s)
Attitude to Health , Motivation , Smoking Cessation/psychology , Women/psychology , Adaptation, Psychological , Adult , Age Factors , Aged , Female , Health Behavior , Humans , Middle Aged , Nursing Methodology Research , Self Care/psychology , Surveys and Questionnaires , Weight Gain , Women/education , Women's Health ServicesABSTRACT
Women have lower quit rates in smoking cessation than men. There are several factors suggested which are relevant to women's difficulties in smoking programs. One factor cited is the problem that women experience during withdrawal. Similar physiological and psychological symptoms are reported after smoking cessation and during menstrual cycle changes. In this study we evaluated the association between withdrawal and reports of menstrual distress. Results showed that a significant correlation existed between menstrual distress symptoms and initial smoking withdrawal symptoms. Women who quit smoking in the last phase (Phase 2) of their menstrual cycle experienced greater withdrawal than those who quit in the early phase (Phase 1) of the cycle. When these results were compared with male quitters, the Phase 2 women experienced significantly greater withdrawal than males. These results suggest that women may have specific biological needs that should be addressed in smoking treatment programs.
