Problem/Objective: Partners' smoking behaviors and attitudes play an important role in cessation. Having a partner who dislikes smoking is associated with quit attempts (West et al., 2001) and living with an ex-smoker or never smoker increases the likelihood of quitting (Monden et al., 2003). To date, no study has examined quitting among spouses enrolled together in a cessation program.

Methods: An organization offered a phone-based tobacco cessation program for their employees and dependents. We analyzed quit rates among 366 employees and spouses enrolled in the program alone versus enrolled together. Of these 366 participants, 292 (80%) enrolled alone and 74 (20%) enrolled together. Demographics, tobacco use and dependence were measured at intake. Quit status was assessed at one year. Descriptive statistics were generated and a Chi-square analysis was conducted to compare quit outcomes by group.

Results: Participants' mean age was 46 (range 18 to 72), 55% reported being female, 98% reported smoking cigarettes, and nearly 3/4's smoked 10 or more cigarettes per day and smoked within 30 minutes of waking. Responder quit rates (7-day point prevalence at 1 year) were significantly higher among spouses quitting together versus those enrolled alone (43% vs 25%, respectively, p< .05). Intent to treat quit rates also were significantly higher (26% vs 15%).

Conclusions: Extending worksite benefits to spouse/partners not only increase quit rates for those quitting together but also increase the likelihood of reduced relapse.