[Smoking cessation in rehabilitation centres: outcome and predictors of participation].

OBJECTIVE

The focus of investigation in this study were the characteristics of participants and non-participants in a modern smoking cessation programme for inpatient rehabilitation centres as well as the effects of the programme on participants' smoking behavior.

METHODS

Smoking patients (N=313) from 10 Bavarian rehabilitation centres including 203 participants and 110 non-participants of a newly implemented group programme were asked about socio-demographics, smoking behaviour and willingness to change both at the beginning and at the end of their inpatient stay.

RESULTS

Univariate analyses showed there to be no difference between participants and non-participants with regard to socio-demographics and smoking behaviour. Multivariate analyses detected a higher intention to quit smoking, the stage of contemplation, and the marital status "single" to be significant predictors of participation. 42.6% of participants stopped smoking during their stay, 18.2% were abstinent until the time of discharge. These rates are significantly lower among non-participants (stop: 16.9%; abstinence 1.8%).

CONCLUSION

Participation in a smoking cessation programme essentially depends on a smoker's motivation to quit. The investigated programme can provide useful support for smokers willing to quit.