[Smoking cessation course organized by the Italian League for the fight against tumors in Milan and Rome: determinants of cessation after the course and after a year]

Epidemiol Prev. 2001 May-Jun;25(3):113-7.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

The Italian League against Cancer organizes a group behaviour therapy program for smoking cessation in Milan and Rome. Groups meet for 8-9 sessions; sessions are managed by a therapist. In the analized courses participants are 43-44 years on the average, with a middle/high level of education. They are heavy smokers with a high level of nicotine dependence and they greatly trust in the program. At the end of the program 67% of participants in Milan and 76% in Rome declare they no longer smoke. One year later, phone interviews show that 22% of participants in Milan and 25% in Rome are still non smokers. At the end of the program quitting-smoking predictors are: attendance at at least 6-7 sessions, smoking less than 30 cigarettes a day before the course and male gender; one year later attendance at at least 6-7 sessions, and scarce nicotine dependence (smoking less than 30 cigarettes a day before the program or a low score at the Fagerström Tolerance Questionnaire).

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy*
  • Female
  • Health Promotion*
  • Humans
  • Italy
  • Male
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control*
  • Program Evaluation*
  • Psychotherapy, Group*
  • Smoking Cessation / methods*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data*
  • Time Factors