Predictors of smoking relapse in a sample of Dutch adult smokers; the roles of gender and action plans

BackgroundThe object of this study was to investigate the influence of gender and the additional protective quality of action plans on the occurrence of relapse in smokers after a pharmacy-based minimal intervention strategy.MethodsRespondents received a written baseline questionnaire, based on the I-Change Model, and were contacted 3 months after baseline by telephone.ResultsA total of 223 respondents were included in relapse analyses. Relapse was predicted by intention, the use of pharmacotherapy and action plans. Predictors differed for men and women.ConclusionsAction plans provide a protective value against smoking relapse. Men and women did not differ in relapse rates, but predictors differed. Developers of relapse prevention activities should consider developing programmes based on gender. These programmes could also benefit from making use of action plans as a method for preventing relapse.