Assessing how to increase smokers' motivation to quit

Abstract

This three-part dissertation study aims to explore how to increase motivation to quit in current smokers with low motivation. Recognizing what motivates smokers to quit and how to increase motivation are key elements to tailoring successful smoking cessation strategies, especially for those with low motivation to quit. Chapter One reviews the literature on motivation and smoking in the US, and how these two are related. Chapter Two tested the Health Action Process Approach using data from a cross-sectional survey of current smokers and multiple measures of motivation to quit and risk perceptions. Results supported the model, indicating that non-intenders had lower risk perceptions compared to intenders. Chapter Three examined the differences in perceptions of how those with high, medium, and low motivation to quit smoking perceive smoke-free laws and the extent to which a physician was involved in motivating them to quit. Using cross-sectional data of current smokers, chi-square tests and ordinal logistic regression compared smokers by their level of motivation to quit. Some areas of smoke-free law perceptions and physician involvement differed across levels of motivation to quit smoking. Chapter Four identified factors that influence cessation, investigated quit attempts, and explored methods for staying quit using focus groups with adult ex-smokers. Several key themes relating to motivation to quit smoking were identified that may have implications for the design of smoking cessation programs for adults. Chapter Five will summarize the main findings and discuss implications of results. To decrease morbidity and mortality associated with tobacco use, researchers need to identify factors that lead to increased motivation to quit and develop interventions based on these findings to be able to assist smokers in quitting. The concept of motivation is important because smoking cessation interventions will not be successful for smokers that are unmotivated to quit.