From planning to action in smoking cessation: Demographic and psychological symptom dimensions related to readiness to quit smoking
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Date
2021
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Publisher
Springer
Abstract
Description
In Mexico, over 10 million persons are currently smokers. The motivation to quit
smoking can be associated with individual and mental health factors. The aim of this
study was to determine which variables related to smoking behavior, demographics, and
current psychological symptoms distinguish highly motivated smokers (action stage)
from less motivated smokers (planning stage) according to the readiness-to-quit model.
108 current smokers with no psychiatric diagnoses and no previous specialized attention
for smoking cessation were interviewed. Nicotine dependence, readiness to quit, and
psychological symptoms were assessed. Nicotine dependence was low to moderate
(94.5%). Fewer depressive symptoms and smoking fewer cigarettes per day were the
most important predictors for action motivation to quit. In assessing the motivation to quit
smoking, individual demographic, background, and psychological characteristics should
be considered since they can hinder the smoking cessation intervention.