Preferences for couple-based smoking cessation interventions among couples who smoke: online discrete choice experiment

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to elicit smoking couples' preferences for the 'format' and 'content' of couple-based interventions and partner support from both partners' perspectives, using an online discrete choice experiment (DCE) survey. An online DCE study was conducted during online interviews with 56 smoking couples (N = 112). Conditional logistic regression models were constructed to determine optimal profiles of couple-based treatment. Six attributes of couple-based smoking cessation interventions were identified as statistically significant: smokers and their partners preferred interventions that were designed for both partners, interactive, and tailored; they also valued positive support, open discussions with their partners, and having their partners involved in the quitting process. Smokers preferred to receive empathy, love, and trust from their partners rather than information, advice, and services. Income level and race interacted with the preferences for certain attributes. Differences in convenience, method of delivery, topics, duration, and frequency of treatment, willingness to provide support, frequency of partner support, and couple types were not significant. This study highlights the significance of incorporating partner involvement and support in smoking cessation interventions. The findings can provide direction for developing efficient couple-based interventions that consider the preferences of both smokers and partners.