DOES GENDER AFFECT RESPONSE TO A BRIEF CLINIC-BASED SMOKING INTERVENTION

Introduction: Although recent reviews suggest few gender differences i n smoking-cessation outcomes, it is important to establish whether gen der differences exist in response to the brief interventions increasin gly recommended as part of routine medical care. Methods: We used data from an efficacious primary care-based smoking intervention to examin e gender differences in smoking characteristics, use of intervention c omponents, self-reported quitting activities, and cessation outcomes a mong all smokers randomized to receive clinician advice and nurse-assi sted intervention (n = 1,978, 58% female). Results: Although female an d male smokers differed on a number of sociodemographic and smoking-re lated characteristics, they were equally likely to participate in each step of the recommended intervention. Female and male smokers were al so equally likely to report quit attempts and cessation at 3, 12, and 3 and 12 months (combined long-term cessation endpoint). Similarly, no gender difference in relapse at 12 months was seen. Women attempting to quit used a greater number and variety of smoking-cessation strateg ies, suggesting that, although outcomes were similar, the processes of cessation may vary by gender. Conclusions: Since this brief intervent ion in primary care was equally efficacious and acceptable to female a nd male smokers, broader implementation in medical settings of this po pulation-based approach to reducing tobacco use is warranted. Indeed, widespread implementation of smoking-cessation programs in medical set tings may particularly benefit women, who are more likely than men to have contacts with the medical care system.