A randomised controlled trial of motivational interviewing for smoking cessation

BACKGROUND: Motivational interviewing is a technique used to promote change in addictive behaviour, initially used to treat alcoholism. Despite this, its effectiveness has not been sufficiently demonstrated for giving up smoking. AIM: The aim of the study was to establish whether motivational interviewing, compared with anti-smoking advice, is more effective for giving up the habit. DESIGN OF STUDY: Randomised controlled trial. SETTING: Primary care in Albecete, Spain. METHOD: Random experimental study of 200 smokers assigned to two types of interventions: anti-smoking advice (n = 86) and motivational interviewing (n = 114). Subjects in both groups were offered bupropion when nicotine dependency was high (Fagerstrom score >7). The success rate was evaluated by intention to treat; point prevalence abstinence was measured 6 and 12 months post intervention by personal testimony, confirmed by means of CO-oximetry (value < 6ppm). RESULTS: The measure of effectiveness of the treatment for giving up smoking after both 6 and 12 months, showed that the motivational interviewing action was 5.2 times higher than anti-smoking advice (18.4 % compared to 3.4%; 95% confidence interval = 1.63 to 17.13). CONCLUSION: The results of our study show that motivational interviewing is more effective than brief advice for giving up smoking.