Factors associated with attempt to quit smoking among adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

The main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and disease progression is smoking. A diagnostic breathing test for COPD may support cessation; however, this relationship has not been found in clinical studies. The purpose of this research was to examine in a nationally representative sample, the association between diagnostic breathing test and smoking cessation and to describe factors associated with quit attempt in adults with COPD. This was a cross-sectional study using 2011 Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System data. Weighted multivariable logistic regression examined the association between breathing test and smoking cessation (model 1), and factors associated with quit attempt among current smokers (model 2).

Breathing test was reported by 83% of former (n=7,401) and 77% of current (n=5,817) smokers (p<0.001). Quit attempt was reported by 66% (n=3,663) of current smokers. Breathing test was not associated (odds ratio (OR): 0.92; 95 % confidence interval (CI): 0.73-1.16) with cessation (model 1). Quit attempt was more likely in: those with a breathing test (OR =1.4; CI: 1.1-1.9), black (OR=3.2; CI: 2.1-4.9) versus white non-Hispanic, those with comorbidity (OR=2.6; CI: 2.1-3.2), adults who reported any exercise (OR=2.05; CI: 1.6-2.6) and who had seen a doctor for shortness of breath (OR=1.3; CI: 1.1-1.7).

A diagnostic breathing test in adults with COPD does not predict smoking cessation but is a factor related to making a quit attempt. A quit attempt is the first step towards cessation. Administration of a breathing test followed by cessation assistance in current smokers with COPD may increase cessation success.