Self-efficacy: a predictor for smoking cessation contemplators in Kuwaiti adults.

The failure of most of the smoking cessation programs might be due to negligence of including self-efficacy as an imperative factor in changing many adverse behaviors such as smoking. This study investigates the role of self-efficacy as a predictor for smoking cessation contemplators and precontemplators in adult male Kuwaiti smoker employees. A sample of 657 Kuwaiti male smokers represented the target population. Factor analysis with varimax rotation to the self-efficacy 16-items scale revealed four essential factors-mood changes, relaxation, stress, and self-image-for smoking urge in the studied population. Contemplators had significant higher mean self-efficacy total scores and Factor IV (self-image) subtotal scores than precontemplators. Stepwise multivariate logistic binary regression analysis illustrated that self-efficacy is the first predictor for contemplating smoking cessation followed by monthly income. Self-efficacy as a cognitive determinant should be considered to mediate improvement in the smoking cessation programs.