Readiness to quit as a predictor of smoking changes in the Minnesota Heart Health Program

Health Psychol. 1994 Sep;13(5):393-6. doi: 10.1037//0278-6133.13.5.393.

Abstract

The relation between two indexes of readiness to quit smoking obtained at baseline and subsequent quitting 2-7 years later was examined. Baseline data from the Minnesota Heart Health Program were used to construct 3-item composites of interest in quitting (alpha = .76) and past quitting behavior (alpha = .64). With baseline smoking controlled, both measures predicted quitting at the 2- and 7-year follow-ups but not at 4 years. Only interest in quitting was significant at the 7-year follow-up when both indexes entered the model. Given the representative community sample and the long interval from baseline to the final assessment, the findings provide support for the readiness construct.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / prevention & control*
  • Cardiovascular Diseases / psychology
  • Cohort Studies
  • Cross-Sectional Studies
  • Female
  • Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Minnesota
  • Motivation*
  • Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology*