Psychological determinants of using evidence based smoking cessation aids in the Netherlands

RA Willems, M.C. Willemsen, H. De Vries

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference Abstract/Poster in proceedingProfessional

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    Abstract

    **Objectives** The utilization of effective cessation aids, such as professional help and pharmaceutics, will increase the likelihood of successful quitting. In the Netherlands, there is a wide array of effective smoking cessation aids available. A combination of behavioral therapy and pharmaceutics is regarded as the most effective method, boosting success rates with a factor 2 to 4. However, uptake of cessation aids is low: currently only 26% of Dutch quitters use effective cessation aids, which is lower compared to many other countries. This study sought to understand why some smokers do and others do not use these aids, in order to be able to develop better implementation strategies for these evidence based methods. **Methods **We used the I-Change model (De Vries, Lezwijn, Hol & Honing, 2005) to select determinants of using cessation aids when making a quit attempt. This model integrates elements from various models of behavioral change. Behavior is the result of intentions and abilities. If one is not able to make specific plans for executing a certain behavior, it will be less likely for the behavior to occur. This implies that being unable to make plans regarding quitting smoking and using cessation aids will decrease the likelihood of using smoking aids. Intention is influenced by motivational factors (i.e., attitudes, social influences and self-efficacy regarding smoking cessation and using cessation aids). Finally, the model incorporates influences of predisposing factors, such as age, gender, socio-economic status, and level of tobacco addiction as measured by the Heaviness of Smoking Index. A representative sample of 982 Dutch smokers aged 15 years and older, who took part of the Continuous Survey of Smoking Habits, completed the questionnaire. Participants only filled in the questionnaire section on determinants of using cessation aids, when they indicated they wanted to quit at least in some point in their life. Data will be analyzed using a hierarchal regression model. **Results **The results will be presented during the conference. Additionally, we will present a strategy outlining how to better reach and inform smokers about evidence based methods for smoking cessation. **Implementation **In 2011, pharmaceutics for smoking cessation will be reimbursed through the Dutch national health care insurance system when one attends behavioral therapy. The results of this study can be used to develop interventions, particularly mass media approaches as well as tailored interventions, to effectively reach and inform smokers about using evidence based cessation aids and to increase the adoption of these aids for quitting
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationEuropean Conference TOBACCO or HEALTH - Shape the future
    Subtitle of host publicationAbstract Book
    Chapter1B.2
    Pages8
    Number of pages1
    Publication statusPublished - 2011
    EventEuropean Conference on Tobacco or Health: Shape the future - Amsterdam, Netherlands
    Duration: 28 Mar 201130 Mar 2011

    Conference

    ConferenceEuropean Conference on Tobacco or Health
    Abbreviated titleECToH 2011
    Country/TerritoryNetherlands
    CityAmsterdam
    Period28/03/1130/03/11

    Keywords

    • Smoking cessation
    • smoking cessation aids
    • intention
    • attitudes
    • perceived social norm
    • self-efficacy

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