Correlates of expected positive and negative support for smoking cessation among a sample of chronically ill veterans

ObjectiveTo examine demographic, relationship, and smoking history factors related to expected positive and negative support for quitting smoking among chronically ill veterans.MethodsData for this report comes from baseline data from a randomized controlled trial of a support-based smoking cessation intervention for veterans with chronic diseases (cancer, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease). We used separate multiple linear regression models to analyze relationships between positive and negative support and variables selected for model entry.ResultsVeterans in our sample expected high positive and negative support for quitting. Veterans who were married/living as married, had some college education, were female, or named a female support person expected higher levels of positive support. Veterans who named a female or a nonsmoker as a support person expected higher levels of negative support. Males and non-Caucasians also reported higher levels of expected negative support.ConclusionsIndividual differences that influence perceptions of expected support are likely to influence intervention participation and engagement. Thus, understanding factors associated with expected positive and negative support is necessary to optimize future implementation of support-based cessation interventions through better treatment matching.

► Demographics and smoking history were related to expected support.
► Perceptions of expected support influence intervention participation and engagement.
► Understanding expected support is necessary to optimize interventions.