Abstract
Background. This study examines naturalistic changes, i.e., changes that occur without formal interventions, in the motivational readiness to quit tobacco smoking. The transtheoretical model (TTM) with the proposed five stages of change (precontemplation, contemplation, preparation, action, maintenance) is used as the theoretical framework. Methods. Data were collected as part of a representative general population study in Germany. A total of 786 individuals was assessed two times, 6 months apart, with respect to stage of change. Latent Transition Analysis (LTA) was employed as a special statistical method to analyze stage movements over time. Results. The best-fitting model to describe naturalistic stage movements included both forward and backward movements. A high proportion of the sample was in the precontemplation stage across both measurement occasions. There were high rates of stage regressions over the 6-month period. Conclusions. In a German representative population of smokers, smoking behavior change toward abstinence does not occur naturally in a substantial amount over the 6-month period without intervention. Differing findings in studies for populations in the United States could be due to methodological differences or differences in tobacco-control conditions.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Journal | Preventive Medicine |
| Volume | 35 |
| Issue number | 4 |
| Pages (from-to) | 326-333 |
| Number of pages | 8 |
| ISSN | 0091-7435 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 2002 |
Funding
1This study is part of the German research network “Analytical Epidemiology of Substance Abuse (ANEPSA).” Factors related to the use and abuse of psychoactive substances are analyzed by different research groups in the context of several longitudinal studies. Contact persons are: Dr. Büringer/Dr. Küfner (IFT Institute for Therapy Research, Munich), Prof. Dr. Wittchen (Max-Planck-Institute, Munich), and Prof. Dr. John (University of Greifswald)/Prof. Dr. Dilling (Medical University of Lübeck). The research network is funded in the context of the program “Biological and psycho-social factors of drug abuse and dependence” by the Federal Ministry of Education, Science, Research, and Technology. Data described in this paper is part of the project “Stages of Change, Utilization of Care, and Tobacco or Alcohol Consumption” (grant no.: 01 EB 9801/8; principal investigators: Prof. Dr. John/Prof. Dr. Dilling) and is part of the study “Transitions in Alcohol Consumption and Smoking (TACOS).” The project was initiated and data was analyzed by the investigator, but not by the funding source.
Research Areas and Centers
- Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)
