BMJ  2003;326 (31 May), doi:10.1136/bmj.326.7400.0-e

Evidence on stage based approach to smoking cessation is limited

Though services aimed at smoking cessation have made extensive use of the stage based approach, only limited evidence exists for its effectiveness. In a systematic review, Riemsma and colleagues (p 1175) identified 23 randomised controlled trials evaluating a stage based approach for helping people to quit smoking. They found wide variation in the quality of methods and in the theories justifying the interventions used. Few studies reported that the instruments used to assess participants' stage of change had been validated. As a result, the authors say, more rigorous studies are needed before stage based approaches to smoking cessation are considered credible.

KENNY TRICE/PHOTONICA

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Systematic review of the effectiveness of stage based interventions to promote smoking cessation

Robert Paul Riemsma, Jill Pattenden, Christopher Bridle, Amanda J Sowden, Lisa Mather, Ian S Watt, and Anne Walker
BMJ 2003 326: 1175-1177. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]