Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for tobacco cessation is an evidence-based, yet underutilized intervention. More research is needed to understand why some treatment-seekers are ‘no-shows’ for the initial visit.

Examine factors associated with participant no-shows among smokers scheduled for group CBT.

Tobacco smokers (N = 115) were recruited from the community, screened, and if eligible, scheduled to begin group-based CBT plus nicotine replacement therapy. At the screening, participants reported their recruitment source, demographics, smoking history, and contact information. We computed the distance to the study site using the address provided. Regression analyses tested predictors of participant no-shows for the initial visit.

Eligible participants were mostly recruited via flyers (56%), female (58%), African American (61%), middle-aged (Mage = 49 years), averaged 16 cigarettes per day, and resided 8 miles away from the study site. The overall initial visit no-show rate was 56%. Bivariate analyses indicated that respondents who were recruited online, younger, and lived further away from the site were more likely to be no-shows. Younger age significantly predicted failure to attend in the multivariable model.

Findings highlight potential barriers to participation in a group-based intervention, and have implications for pre-intervention engagement strategies and modifications that may increase reach and uptake.