Smoking cessation in the workplace: evaluation of relapse factors.

Abstract

Relapse factors associated with a well-supported worksite smoking cessation program were examined in a prospective study. Of 104 employee-participants, 81 (78%) were confirmed as abstinent at 8 days after quit day. Forty-six employees (44%) continued to report total abstinence at 1 year. Stepwise regression analysis of baseline variables found two significant, but weak, predictors of 1-year smoking status: Fagerstrom score and number of other smokers residing in the home. Analysis of tobacco withdrawal symptom data of confirmed abstainers found only self-reported anxiety scores to be predictive of smoking status at 1 year. Early abstainers with elevated anxiety scores appear to be at high risk for smoking relapse.