Predictors of 1-, 6- and 12-month smoking cessation among a community-recruited sample of adult smokers in the United States

Baseline socio-demographics, substance use and smoking history characteristics, as well as intra-treatment indicators (i.e. nicotine patch adherence and tobacco use during patch treatment) of smoking cessation were examined among 65 community-based adult male smokers recruited from a metropolitan area within the United States. All participants were recruited between 2009 and 2010 and were enrolled in an 8-week smoking cessation programme involving nicotine patch treatment and adjunctive counselling. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to examine unique predictors of smoking status at 1-, 6- and 12-month follow-up. Abstinence rates at 1-, 6- and 12-month follow-up periods were 34%, 18% and 17%, respectively. Results indicated that less smoking during patch treatment, and particularly during weeks 1 through 3, was the most robust predictor of successful abstinence, and this predicted smoking status at all follow-up periods. These results underscore the importance of total abstinence during the cessation process, especially at the outset of treatment, which is paramount to ultimate cessation success. Study limitations and clinical implications are discussed.