The role of health risk perception variables on smoking-related outcomes in a motivational interviewing-based intervention for college students

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Abstract

The role of health risk perception in smoking behavior was prospectively evaluated in a cluster-randomized trial for smoking cessation in college students. Optimistic bias, future precaution effectiveness, perceived vulnerability, and smoking behavior measures (quit attempts and cessation) were assessed in 302 college-aged student smokers at baseline, end of treatment (3 months), and follow-up (6 months). Logistic regression analyses that controlled for level of smoking were used to examine risk perception variables as predictor of smoking outcomes. Results revealed that higher baseline future precaution effectiveness predicted a greater likelihood of quit attempts at end of treatment [OR = 1.11 (1.001, 1.24)] and a greater likelihood of cessation [OR = 1.14 (1.01, 1.29)] at follow-up. Unexpectedly, higher baseline levels of perceived vulnerability predicted a reduced likelihood of cessation at end of treatment [OR = .67 (.55, .83)] and follow-up [OR = .78 (.63, .97)]. As expected, however increases in perceived vulnerability from baseline to end of treatment predicted a greater likelihood of quit attempts at end of treatment [OR = 1.57 (1.24, 1.98)] and follow-up (OR = 1.62 (1.25, 2.08)] and cessation at end of treatment [OR = 1.27 (1.01, 1.62)]. Taken as a whole, results suggest that perceived vulnerability was the best predictor of smoking behavior change and supports further examination of the role of risk perceptions in promoting smoking cessation among college smokers.

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Introduction -- Method -- Results -- Discussion -- Appendix

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M.A.

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