Intention to quit smoking: Is the partner's smoking status associated with the smoker's intention to quit?

Background: Smoking behavior among couples is often similar. Purpose: The aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the partner's smoking status and the intention to stop smoking of the index person. Method: Cross-sectional data of 1,044 patients in a random sample of 34 general medical practices in northeastern Germany were analyzed. Results: Among smokers with a non-smoking partner (SNP), more intended to quit smoking in the next six months (37.0% vs. 31.4%), compared to smokers with a smoking partner (SSP). Also, more SNP intended to quit in the next four weeks (4.7% vs. 2.7%) compared to SSP. SNP were more active in the use of self-change strategies than SSP. Conclusion: The data confirm that the partner's smoking status is related to the intention to quit smoking. Interventions should address the different needs of both smokers with a smoking partner and those with a non-smoking partner.