Caregiving and Thoughts about Quitting Smoking in Family Members of Patients with Lung Cancer

Background: This study measured thoughts about quitting smoking in relatives of patients with lung cancer and examined how caregiving status influences a family member's thoughts about quitting smoking, accounting for possible moderation by depression and psychological stress. Methods: Patients with lung cancer were identified from four participating sites from September 2004 to July 2006 and asked to identify family members who smoke. Consenting family members (n=496) completed a baseline telephone survey. Data analysis was completed in 2008. Results: The mean age of family members was 47, 85% were white, 59% were female, 40% had less than college education, 67% were employed, 14% reported stress most of the time, 50% had high levels of depressive symptoms (CES-D score >= 10), and 71% had thought about quitting smoking since their relative was diagnosed with lung cancer. Thirty-six percent of family members identified themselves as a main caregiver for the patient. Caregivers reported more stress and depressive symptoms, and were more likely to have thought about quitting compared to non-caregivers (p<.05). Multivariate logistic regression showed that being a caregiver (OR=l.64 (95% CI 1.05-2.57)) was a significant predictor of thinking about quitting smoking, adjusting for age, sex, race, employment status, perceived stress, and depressive symptoms. Conclusion: Despite higher self-reported stress and depressive symptoms, caregivers were more likely than non-caregiving relatives to have thought about quitting smoking. Caregivers represent an accessible and highly motivated group of people at a critical time in their lives for a smoking cessation intervention.Master of Public Healt