The Impact of Older Age on Smoking Cessation Outcomes After Standard Advice to Quit

Abstract

Older adults are a high priority population for smoking cessation. This study observed the influence of older age on the relationship between quitting predictors and cessation. Secondary analysis was conducted of a primary care trial of adults who smoke cigarettes randomized to standard advice to quit or advice plus 2 week supply of nicotine replacement therapy. Logistic regressions assessed interactions of age (<60 vs. ≥ 60 years) by predictors in relation to quit attempts and 6-month cessation controlling for treatment. Predicting quit attempts, there was an interaction of age by motivation (p = .025) and trend of age by nicotine dependence (p = .057). Predicting 6-month cessation, an interaction of age by motivation was observed (p = .020) and a trend of age by dependence (p = .067). For those with high nicotine dependence, older adults had less successful outcomes compared to younger counterparts. Yet among participants unmotivated to quit, older adults had more successful outcomes than those younger.

Keywords: geriatric health; primary care; smoking cessation; tobacco cessation.

Figure 1.. Interactions of Age Group by Predictors in Relationship to Any 24 Hour Quit Attempt

Note: Predictors dichotomized solely for visual representation; p-values represent the overall test of the interaction of continuous predictors and age group in relationship to likelihood of outcome, as presented in text. Older adults (≥60 years) compared to younger adults (<60 years).

Figure 2.. Interactions of Age Group by Predictors in Relationship to Six-Month Point Prevalence

Note: Predictors dichotomized solely for visual representation; p-values represent the overall test of the interaction of continuous predictors and age group in relationship to likelihood of outcome, as presented in text. Older adults (≥60 years) compared to younger adults (<60 years).