Predictors of participant ‘no-shows’ for intensive behavioral tobacco cessation treatment: recruitment, demographics, and distance

Abstract

IntroductionCognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for tobacco cessation is an evidence-based, yet underutilized intervention. More research is needed to understand why some treatment-seekers are ‘no-shows’ for the initial visit.AimExamine factors associated with participant no-shows among smokers scheduled for group CBT.MethodsTobacco smokers (N = 115) were recruited from the community, screened, and if eligible, scheduled to begin group-based CBT plus nicotine replacement therapy. At the screening, participants reported their recruitment source, demographics, smoking history, and contact information. We computed the distance to the study site using the address provided. Regression analyses tested predictors of participant no-shows for the initial visit.ResultsEligible participants were mostly recruited via flyers (56%), female (58%), African American (61%), middle-aged (Mage = 49 years), averaged 16 cigarettes per day, and resided 8 miles away from the study site. The overall initial visit no-show rate was 56%. Bivariate analyses indicated that respondents who were recruited online, younger, and lived further away from the site were more likely to be no-shows. Younger age significantly predicted failure to attend in the multivariable model.ConclusionsFindings highlight potential barriers to participation in a group-based intervention, and have implications for pre-intervention engagement strategies and modifications that may increase reach and uptake.

Demographic and Clinical Predictors of Engaging in Tobacco Cessation Counseling at a Comprehensive Cancer Center

“…Previous research has indicated that participants who lived farther away from the site of in-person intensive behavioral tobacco cessation treatment in Cleveland, OH, were more likely to be no-shows. 5…”

“…Previous research has indicated that participants who lived farther away from the site of inperson intensive behavioral tobacco cessation treatment in Cleveland, OH, were more likely to be no-shows. 5 Daily smoking intensity. Patients self-reported the number of cigarettes smoked per day at the initial assessment, which were categorized as 10 or less, 11-20, or 21 or more.…”

“…Previous studies have examined predictors of engagement in tobacco cessation treatment among groups with and without a cancer diagnosis. Community-based samples have found less participation among younger adults, 5 African American individuals, 6 men, 7 and those living farther away from the site of in-person treatment. 5 Among oncology patients, lower treatment engagement was found among those diagnosed with laryngeal cancer (compared with oral and oropharyngeal cancer), 8 and among patients with head and neck cancer (compared with lung cancer).…”

“…Community-based samples have found less participation among younger adults, 5 African American individuals, 6 men, 7 and those living farther away from the site of in-person treatment. 5 Among oncology patients, lower treatment engagement was found among those diagnosed with laryngeal cancer (compared with oral and oropharyngeal cancer), 8 and among patients with head and neck cancer (compared with lung cancer). 9 A recent analysis of the Tobacco Treatment Service at Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center found that those who engaged in treatment had longer periods of abstinence in the past and were in higher income categories compared with those who did not engage in treatment.…”

Predictors of Patient Engagement in Telehealth-Delivered Tobacco Cessation Treatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic

“…Despite the availability of evidence-based tobacco cessation treatments, which more than double the likelihood of quitting smoking successfully [1,15], most attempts to quit using tobacco are unassisted, and success rates remain low. Within community samples, decreased engagement in tobacco treatment has been associated with race [16,17], younger age, and residing at further distances from treatment clinics [16,18]. Older patients generally have more difficulty quitting compared with younger patients [19], yet cigarette smoking is highest among people aged 25-64 years [20].…”