Stressful Events Should Not Prohibit Smoking Cessation
11/02/06
Stressful life events do not decrease a smoker's chances of quitting the habit, a new study reveals. Researchers from North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Systems examined the impact of stressful life events in 1,330 smokers being treated for tobacco de
Stressful life events do not decrease a smoker's chances of quitting the habit, a new study reveals. Researchers from North Shore Long Island Jewish Health Systems examined the impact of stressful life events in 1,330 smokers being treated for tobacco dependence.
Self-reported information, including medical history, quitting obstacles, quit attempts, and current major stressors, were gathered on day one, via questionnaires. Using a carbon monoxide monitor, quit status was determined at 30 days and one year.
Forty-one percent of smokers experienced one or more major stressful events during treatment, such as change in marital status and change in job. Though stressed smokers were more likely to "light up when upset" at 30 days, 50 percent quit, compared with 60 percent of nonstressed smokers.
At the one-year mark, there was no difference shown in quit success. Researchers conclude that many smokers who reported major stressful event during treatment were able to successfully quit; therefore, stressful life events should not be a smoking cessation obstacle.
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