Predictors of smoking cessation treatment attrition in individuals with substance use disorders

Abstract

Introduction Attrition rates in smoking cessation treatments are high, particularly in persons with substance use disorders. It is estimated that about 55%% disengage prematurely at treatment, meaning that a large portion will not benefit from smoking abstinence. So far, no previous studies have examined predictors of dropouts in a smoking cessation treatment with persons with SUD. Objectives The study was two-fold: 1) to analyze the percentage of early-, late-dropouts and completers, and 2) to examine sociodemographic, psychological, and substance-related predictors of dropouts. Methods A total of 86 participants (69.8% males; Mage=43.84, SD=9.917) were randomly assigned to two psychological smoking cessation treatment: cognitive-behavioral treatment (CBT) (n=51) or CBT + contingency management (CM) (n=35). Interventions were delivered during eight consecutive weeks Results Of the 86 participants who completed the baseline assessment, 21 did not start treatment, 17 dropped out of treatment during treatment, and the remaining 48 completed the treatment. Predictors of early-dropout were younger age (B=-.234; p=.024; OR=.792) and lower number of days in SUD treatment (B= -.005; p=.026; OR=.995). Patients’ primary substance of use was associated with reduced early-dropouts; compared to cocaine users, alcohol (B=-1.827; p=.043; OR=.161) and opioids (B=-3.408; p=.018; OR=.033) related to improved attrition. Late dropout was directly related to higher number of tobacco use cessation attempts (B=.407; p=.039; OR=1.502). Conclusions Incorporating strategies to improve attendance and completion rates in SUD populations should be a priority. Mobile reminders, offering online therapies, or CM to reinforce attendance to therapy may be considered. Disclosure No significant relationships.

Keywords

• Substance Use Disorder
• attrition
• dropouts
• smoking cessation