Survey of smoking patterns, attitudes, and interest in quitting

We conducted a survey of 875 smokers in a Minnesota Heart Health Program community who were nonparticipants in screening and intervention. We found particular levels of interest in quitting and in formal cessation topics and programs among these smokers. Also, we collected information on smoking history, social environment, and anticipated barriers to quitting. Most noteworthy was the finding that more than half of the respondents indicated a desire to be contacted by telephone to receive information on materials on, classes on, and ways of quitting smoking. Topics of particular interest to smokers included physical addiction, stress reduction, and (for women) methods of avoiding weight gain after quitting. Only 7% of respondents reported that they definitely did not want to quit, and approximately one-third of those interested in quitting indicated that they would seek outside help in doing so. The findings support the viability of ''reverse'' helpline procedures in which smokers are contacted directly and offered assistance in quitting.