Predictors of success in a smoking cessation clinic.

We identified factors associated with success among the first 531 patients referred to a Veterans Affairs Medical Center smoking cessation clinic. Both patients and providers completed questionnaires covering smoking history, other health habits, and comorbidity. The 3-month success rate was 23% of all referrals or 42% of clinic attendees. Among those referred, factors associated with their success were being at least 50 years of age, having hyperlipidemia, and not currently drinking alcohol. Among those who attended the clinic at least once, factors associated with success were being at least 50 years of age, being less physically active, and not currently drinking alcohol. Neither patients nor providers could predict who would successfully stop smoking.