Abstract
BackgroundTobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death. Smoking cessation interventions that use implementation intentions show promising results. Implementation intentions are if-then plans that specify a certain behaviour within a situational context. This study will examine whether involving a non-smoking partner could improve planning interventions, and whether and which partner interactions underlie this effectiveness.MethodsThis single-blind randomized controlled trial has a longitudinal design with a baseline questionnaire, end-of-day measurements for three weeks starting on the quit date, and a follow-up questionnaire after three months.Participants: single-smoking couples who live together and are in a relationship for more than one year.Setting: couples are randomized to either a dyadic or individual planning condition. After the intervention the smoker attempts to quit smoking and the diary measurements start.Measurements: The primary outcome variable is smoking abstinence. Secondary outcome measures are smoking behaviour and relationship satisfaction. Partner interactions are examined as a possible mediator.DiscussionThis RCT is the first to examine the effectiveness of dyadic planning to quit smoking in single-smoking couples. Partner interactions are thought to play an important role during the quit attempt, and therefore in the effectiveness of the intervention. This RCT will provide more insight into which daily partner interactions are beneficial for smoking abstinence and the couples’ relationship satisfaction, and whether the type of intervention is related to different types or levels of partner interactions and smoking behaviour. When proven effective, this planning intervention in combination with coaching for the non-smoking partner will be a valuable and low-cost addition to existing smoking interventions.Trial registrationThe trial is retrospectively registered on 19/04/2017 on www.trialregister.nl (TC: 6398).
Highlights
Tobacco use is the largest preventable cause of death
Implementation intentions are if- plans that specify a certain behaviour within a situational context [4]
Support might be different or perceived as different when the couple is operating as a team, compared to when one partner of the couple is working on the task alone
Summary
Participants Participating couples must consist of one smoker (smoking cigarettes every day or multiple days per week) and one non-smoker, who are in a relationship for at least one year and living together. A package will be sent to the given address, containing an information letter, an instruction manual with frequently asked questions (FAQs) about the diary period, and a closed colored envelope This envelope contains either a blank individual or a dyadic planning sheet. Condition 2: Individual planning intervention When the non-smoking partner is next to the smoker, the researcher asks him or her to leave the room and not be present while filling in the planning sheet. Partner responses (supportive and negative) to difficult moments are measured by four items (i.e., supportive, motivating, angry/irritated, blaming) and participants are asked to score these on a scale from 1 = ‘Not at all’ to 7 = ‘Very much’. Data will be monitored for missing days during the study period
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
