Abstract 5280: Predicting initiation and sustenance to smoking cessation among smokers using multi-theory model (MTM) approach

Abstract Background and Hypothesis. The purpose of this study was to determine whether the initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation among smokers in the Appalachian region can be predicted using a newly proposed health behavior theory called the multi-theory model (MTM) of health behavior change. MTM may provide an innovative treatment plan for patients trying to quit smoking in order to improve cancer outcomes and decrease disparities in cancer outcomes in the Appalachian region. Smoking rates are 1.8 and 1.6 times greater in women and men, respectively, in Appalachian Kentucky than in the rest of the nation. MTM predicts health behavior change across cultures by proposing that health behavior change occurs in two stages: initiation of the behavior change and sustenance of the behavior change. This model has been validated for several other health behavior changes. The primary research question this study seeks to answer is: to what extent can MTM be used to predict quitting smoking and long-term sustenance of smoking cessation in current smokers? We hypothesized that MTM significantly predicts quitting smoking and long-term sustenance of smoking cessation in smokers. Research Methods. The study utilized a cross sectional design. IRB permission from the university was obtained to conduct the study. Investigators approached mall-goers at the Middlesboro Mall in Middlesboro, KY and asked current tobacco smokers to voluntarily participate in the study. In order to maintain anonymity, no identifiers or signatures were collected from the participants. Exclusion criteria included participants that were illiterate or who had poor vision. The survey instrument was a face and content valid 38 question assessment about the smokers' background and questions pertaining to the constructs of MTM. Data Analyses: Descriptive statistics were computed to summarize the data. In order to assess internal consistency reliability of the scales, Cronbach's alpha were computed. Confirmatory factor analyses were conducted on subscales to establish construct validity. Stepwise multiple regression analyses were performed to determine best possible predictors of initiation and sustenance of smoking cessation among people who were currently smoking. A p-value less than 0.05 was considered significant. Results: Data collection is complete and results are being complied and will be presented at the conference. Conclusion: This study aims to determine to what extent MTM can be utilized to explain quitting smoking and long-term sustenance of smoking cessation in smokers. In the interim, MTM appears to be a useful model for predicting health behavior change, and for designing interventions promoting smoking cessation in smoking patients. Citation Format: Falguni Patel, Richard W. Kim, Ghazal Ghafari, Bernhard Dietz, Vinayak K. Nahar, Manoj Sharma. Predicting initiation and sustenance to smoking cessation among smokers using multi-theory model (MTM) approach [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 5280.