PREDICTING AND UNDERSTANDING SMOKING BEHAVIORS OF RECOVERING MYOCARDIAL INFARCTION PATIENTS

ALAN COOPER, Purdue University

Abstract

Myocardial infarction patients were asked to complete a questionnaire which tapped intentions, attitudes, perceived social pressures, and beliefs about smoking as recommended by Ajzen and Fishbein. In addition, they were asked about their previous smoking behaviors (habits) in keeping with the models of Triandis and of Bentler and Speckart. Three months and seven months after questionnaire completion, smoking behaviors were assessed by means of a phone contact with the patient. Accuracy of this report was determined by interviewing a significant other living with the patient. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was utilized in order to compare the theoretical models to identify the best predictors of smoking behavior. Consistent with the Fishbein and Ajzen position, intentions proved to be the best predictors of smoking behavior. However, the models of Bentler and Speckart and of Triandis were found to be more complete since habit variables (in particular, age of smoking onset) explained a substantial proportion of the smoking status variance. In addition to intentions and habits, several variables contributed to a small degree to the prediction of smoking behavior. These were sex, occupation, marital status, complications at the time of the MI, and spouse smoking status. Cross-validation of these findings with a new sample from the same populations was recommended.

Degree

Ph.D.

Subject Area

Psychotherapy

COinS