Abstract
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.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | International Journal of Behavioral Medicine |
| Volume | 15 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Pages (from-to) | 328-335 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISSN | 1070-5503 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 10.2008 |
Funding
This study is part of the Research Collaboration in Early Substance Use Intervention (EARLINT) funded by the German Federal Ministry of Education and Research (Grant No. 01EB0120, 01EB0420), the Social Ministry of the State of Mecklenburg-West Pomerania (Grant No. IX311 a 406.68.43.05), and the Krupp von Bohlen and Halbach foundation.
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)
