Jonathan T. Macy ^1*, Dong-Chul Seo ¹, Laurie Chassin ², Clark C. Presson ², Steven J. Sherman ¹

¹ Indiana University
² Arizona State University

^* To whom correspondence should be addressed. E-mail: jtmacy{at}indiana.edu.

	Abstract

Objectives. We sought to identify prospective predictors of long-term abstinence versus relapse among individuals who quit smoking as young adults.

Methods. Participants from an ongoing longitudinal study of smoking who had quit for at least 1 year between the ages of 18 and 24 years (n=327) were divided into those who later reported not smoking for more than 5 years (long-term abstinence) or reported current smoking, defined as smoking at least monthly (relapse). Logistic regression was used to examine odds ratios (ORs) of prospective predictors of long-term abstinence versus relapse.

Results. Overall, 67% of participants maintained long-term abstinence and 33% relapsed. The strongest predictor of avoiding relapse was marrying a nonsmoker (adjusted OR [AOR]=0.07; 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.03, 0.21). Other predictors included making 1 lifetime quit attempt (AOR=0.13; 95% CI=0.04, 0.44), having as a young adult only 1 parent who smoked (AOR=0.23; 95% CI=0.06, 0.93), and working in a completely smoke-free building (AOR=0.13; 95% CI=0.03, 0.58).

Conclusions. The factors related to smoking in the social environment played the largest role in predicting long-term abstinence versus relapse.

Key Words: Smoking Cessation, Tobacco

This article has been cited by other articles:

				C. G. Husten Smoking Cessation in Young Adults Am J Public Health, August 1, 2007; 97(8): 1354 - 1356. [Full Text] [PDF]