The capability to resist smoking relapse

BACKGROUND: Remaining in the maintenance stage and preventing a relapse of smoking is the main problem in the smoking cessation process. The objectives of this study were to compare characteristics of successful quitters with those who relapsed, to examine characteristics of the maintenance stage, and reasons for not resuming smoking. METHODS: Prospective face-to-face interviews with 1094 subjects registered with a family practice. Those who had relapsed or stopped smoking permanently comprised the study group. RESULTS: Of all subjects studied, 10.1% stated that they had stopped smoking and 10.8%, that they had relapsed. Quitters were older than relapsers, less educated, smoked significantly more cigarettes per day, and made fewer attempts to quit smoking. No significant difference was found between quitters and relapsers in marital status, country of origin, age of starting to smoke, duration of smoking, and method used to stop smoking. Age and the number of cigarettes smoked per day were associated with the maintenance stage, which was longer when smoking > or = 25 cigarettes/day. No significant association was found between the maintenance stage and marital status, country of origin, education, age of starting to smoke, and duration of smoking. Eighty-three (74.8%) of the quitters stated that the reasons for remaining in the maintenance stage were having the capability to overcome smoking and a strong resistance to temptation for relapse, 16 (14.4%) noted that they had no interest in cigarettes, 8 (7.2%) reported that cigarettes had a bad taste and deterred them from smoking, 4 (3.6%) stated that they were afraid of illness. The main factors associated with remaining in the maintenance stage were the quitters' age, heavy smoking before smoking cessation, and quitters' strong character and ability to overcome relapse and temptations to re-start smoking.