PREDICTORS OF INITIAL SMOKING CESSATION AND RELAPSE THROUGH THE 1ST 2YEARS OF THE LUNG HEALTH STUDY

Analyses were made separately for men and women of the predictors of e nd-of-treatment (4 months) smoking cessation and subsequent relapse at 12 and 24 months among 3,923 participants enrolled in the Lung Health Study's 12-week cognitive-behavioral group smoking cessation program. Nicotine gum (2 mg) was available to all participants. Men were more likely than women to quit smoking initially, but relapse rates were si milar for both genders. Baseline variables associated with initial qui tting for both genders included greater education, lower nicotine depe ndence, and fewer respiratory symptoms. The best predictor of relapse between 4 and 12 months was smoking at least 1 cigarette between quit day and 4 months. Nicotine gum use at 12 months predicted relapse by 2 4 months for both genders. Greater social and environmental support fo r quitting smoking were the only factors that predicted both initial q uitting and relapse for both genders. Clinical implications are discus sed.