PT - JOURNAL ARTICLE AU - Michael Abramson AU - Marsha Ivey AU - Brett Toelle AU - Graeme Maguire AU - Guy Marks AU - Richard Wood-Baker TI - Gender specific characteristics of stages of change and decisional balance in smokers: BOLD-Australia study DP - 2014 Sep 01 TA - European Respiratory Journal PG - P4172 VI - 44 IP - Suppl 58 4099 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4172.short 4100 - http://erj.ersjournals.com/content/44/Suppl_58/P4172.full SO - Eur Respir J2014 Sep 01; 44 AB - Background: Despite leading the world in tobacco control, smoking cessation remains a key health promotion focus in Australia. Characterising intention to quit by stages of change (SOC) can assist quit programmes.Aim: To describe SOC and decisional balance (DB) by gender and identify factors likely to influence readiness to quit.Methods: Cross-sectional study of Australians ≥40yrs; analysis restricted to current smokers. Smokers classified to three SOC: pre-contemplation (PC), contemplation (C) and preparation (P) to quit. Ability to balance positive (pro) and negative (con) consequences was measured using a DB scale. Body Mass Index calculated as weight/height2.Results: 314 smokers (42% females), with 38% in PC, 38% C and 24% P stages; no significant gender differences. More con than pro attitudes present toward smoking especially in stages C and P [Fig 1] .Minimal gender differences observed; mostly stage specific and related to smoking history. Smoking start age, no. cigarettes, quit advice/medication/attempts, negative smoking attitudes and BMI associated with readiness to quit and increased odds of being in C or P stages.Conclusions: Findings support shift in attitude toward tobacco being antisocial. Emphasis needs to be placed on decreasing values smokers place on pros of smoking. Considering a combination of BMI and specific smoking history factors will help to assess the likely SOC of a smoker.