The Role of Partners’ Support and Smoking Status in the Context of Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Smoking cessation is affected on the individually and interpersonally level. This study combines both levels, investigating effects of action planning and received social support on changes in cigarette consumption by considering smokers’ intentions and partner’s smoking status as moderators. In this longitudinal study, a sample of 122 smokers living in a partnership was recruited in an emergency department. All central variables and covariates were assessed at t1 by questionnaire; the number of cigarettes smoked per day was again assessed in a one month follow-up-telephone interview. Data were analyzed by means of 3-way moderation analyses. Action planning was related to an increased number of cigarettes smoked per day in individuals with higher intentions and non-smoking partners. Received partner-support was related to a decreased number of cigarettes smoked per day in individuals with higher intentions and a smoking partner. The results underline the importance of the interpersonal level in the context of smoking cessation. Partners’ support and smoking status should be considered in research and practice of health promotion.