Predictors of Continued Smoking and Interest in Cessation Among Older Female Smokers

Abstract

Objectives: Older female smokers are highly vulnerable, yet little is known about their attitudes, beliefs, and behaviors regarding smoking cessation. Methods: Southeast region Women’s Health Initiative participants identified as smokers on at least one prior assessment were surveyed in 2012 regarding current tobacco use. Results: Most of these current and former smokers ( N = 409, 63% response) were non-Hispanic White (81.7%) and had some college (80%), with mean age of 75.1 years. Current smoking was confirmed by 56%, and while 61% of these reported a past-year quit attempt, less than half used quit aids. Of current smokers, 57.5% intended to quit within 6 months (26.6% within 30 days), and 68% were interested in joining a cessation study. Conclusions: Older female smokers were highly motivated to quit, yet profoundly underutilized proven quit aids. Results support high acceptability of cessation interventions for this undertreated population.