Treatment for tobacco dependence for rural, lower-income smokers: outcomes, predictors, and measurement considerations.

Purpose: Outcomes from a statewide program that delivered evidence-based, intensive treatment for tobacco dependence to a rural population of lower socioeconomic status (SES) were evaluated. Factors that predicted success and measurement considerations were examined. DESIGN AND ANALYSES: Data were collected at intake, at all treatment sessions, and at 3- and 12-months posttreatment. Abstinence rates were calculated using complete-case analysis and intention-to-treat analysis, and they were estimated for all participants. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the predictive significance of demographic and clinical factors.

Setting: Twenty health care sites across Arkansas.

Participants: A total of 2,350 predominantly rural, lower SES, Arkansas residents.

Intervention: Evidence-based, six-session, multi-component cognitive-behavioral therapy with relapse prevention.

Results: The estimated percent abstinent was 26.47% at 3-months and 21.73% at 12-months posttreatment; 51.02% of patients completed treatment and demonstrated markedly higher quit rates. Although numerous factors predicted outcomes at different points, self-efficacy and dependence levels at intake were robust predictors across time and methods of calculating outcomes. Sex, partner smoking status, and educational level were significant predictors of long-term abstinence.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates that intensive, evidence-based treatment for tobacco dependence can be successfully delivered in a statewide program and can yield long-term outcomes that approximate those seen in more controlled settings. Overall sample estimates may be more appropriate for the assessment of outcomes in this context.