Learning Objective #1: Verbalize the major concepts of the Transtheoretical Model of behavior change

Learning Objective #2: Verbalize a method of testing the usefulness of the Transtheoretical Model in research

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Smoking is related to the top four causes of mortalitly and morbidity in the U.S. The Transtheoretical Model of behavior change (TTM) is the framework most frequently used to develop smoking cessation programs. This study examined whether the TTM was also useful for research. Specifically, it used an intervention based on the TTM construct "processes of change" to predict smoking behavior. Helping relationships was the process of change selected as the intervention. An indigenous helper from the smoker's social network was designated by each intervention group participant. Nurses are uniquely suited to provide smoking cessation information to patients in all settings because of their close proximity to patients and educational background. A helping relationship is a freely available strategy nurses can promote to smokers to help them quit smoking. The sample was composed of adult FreshStart classes at five sites in Texas. Research examined whether there was a difference in post intervention smoking behavior between smokers who had an indigenous helper compared with those who did not among the FreshStart participants. The outcome variable, smoking behavior, was measured in two ways: point prevalence and forward movement on the stage of change continuum. A two-group, two-time, five-week multi-site experimental design was used. Participants (N=111) completed the Stage of Change Questionnaire, Processes of Change helping relationships subscale and Partner Interaction Questionnaire-20 at baseline and four weeks. Logistic regressions and ANOVA were used in the analysis. The use of an indigenous helper did not predict smoking cessation, however, Nicotine Replacement Therapy and/or bupropion did.