An Anxiety Sensitivity Reduction Smoking-Cessation Program for Spanish-Speaking Smokers (Argentina)

• Six participants competed a group treatment for smoking cessation
• Anxiety sensitivity was specifically targeted in treatment
• Five of six participants were abstinent at 12-week follow-up
• There was a significant reduction in anxiety sensitivity from pre- to posttreatment

The present study evaluated a Spanish-language version of an Anxiety Sensitivity Reduction Program for Smoking Cessation among a sample of daily adult smokers from Argentina (n = 6; Mage = 49.4, SD = 15.43) in an open trial methodological design. To be eligible, each participant expressed a current desire to quit smoking and previous difficulties with anxiety/mood symptoms during past quit attempts (e.g., anxiety, stress, depression, irritability). Participants completed a baseline assessment and received eight 90-minute weekly group sessions. The study involved one doctoral-level and two graduate-level therapists. Follow-up visits were scheduled at 1, 2, 4, 8, and 12 weeks post-quit day. Smoking status was confirmed biochemically and via self-report at quit day and each follow-up assessment. The treatment yielded positive results in terms of attendance, positive smoking cessation outcome (5 out of 6 were abstinent at 12-week follow-up), and significant reductions in anxiety sensitivity. The results suggest potential clinical utility among Spanish-speaking smokers for an anxiety-sensitivity smoking cessation program in regard to cessation outcome.