Health beliefs as predictors of success of alternate modalities of smoking cessation: Results of a controlled trial.

Determined whether health beliefs influenced the outcome of 3 alternate modalities of reducing cigarette consumption. 140 volunteers (aged 20–65 yrs) were randomly assigned to a control group or to 1 of 3 cessation programs using behavior modification, health education, or hypnosis. A questionnaire was used to document health beliefs, demographic characteristics, and smoking history. A follow-up questionnaire was used to assess smoking behavior after 6 mo. Statistically significant decreases in serum thiocyanate levels (a biochemical index of tobacco consumption) followed participation in each of the 3 programs. Factor analysis and reliability tests were used to identify 4 scales reflecting major dimensions in the health belief model. Significant correlations between change in serum thiocyanate and 2 of the scales (General Health Concern and Perceived Vulnerability) were found only for the group assigned to the health education intervention program. (26 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)