Sequential Changes in Patient Enablement Instrument during a Smoking Cessation Program and its Effect on Smoking Abstinence

[ABSTRACT] Objectives: This study aimed to described the sequential changes in the Patient Enablement Instrument (PEI) scores during a smoking cessation program and to clarify the effect of PEI scores on short- and long-term smoking abstinence. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 110 patients from one hospital and nine clinics from November 1, 2015, to February 28, 2018. The main predictor is PEI scores at 1st consultation (PEI1) and final evaluation (last-PEI). The primary outcome is smoking abstinence at 4 and 24 weeks. Results: Among 110 patients (38 females, 72 males; mean age +- standard deviation: 53.2 +- 16.6 years), 75 (75/110; 68.2%) and 49 (49/97; 50.5%) individuals achieved 4 and 24 weeks' abstinence. Those who achieved 4 weeks' abstinence had higher PEI1 scores than those who did not (5.52 +- 3.06 vs. 4.00 +- 2.97). Those who achieved 24 weeks' abstinence had higher PEI1 and last-PEI scores than those who did not (PEI1: 5.85 +- 3.14 vs. 4.12 +- 2.94; last-PEI: 7.45 +- 3.73 vs. 5.19 +- 3.23). PEI scores indicated the statistically significant increase during the program. After adjusting for covariates by logistic regression analyses, PEI1 and last-PEI scores had a significant effect on 24 weeks' abstinence. Conclusions: Patient enablement increased over time during a standardized smoking cessation program, and PEI1 and last-PEI scores were significant predictors for 24 weeks of smoking abstinence.