Awareness of Smoking Cessation Support Services in Korea: A Cross-sectional Study

Abstract

Objective Since the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, several smoking cessation policies have been implemented to lower the smoking rates. Thisstudy sought to understand the general public’s awarenessrelated to smoking cessation support services in Korea and figure out differences in services’ awareness according to socio-demographic characteristics. Methods Cross-sectional approach from the survey of how Ulsan metropolitan citizens perceived the Korean smoking cessation policies was used for analyses(n=700). Results In this study, 86.7% acknowledged the existence of the smoking cessation clinic service in the public health center, and 39.0% knewthe specific contents of the service. While 70.6% and 50.3% of the respondents knewabout the smoking cessation treatment program of the medical institution and the Quit Line respectively, 45.4%, 33.4%, 29.0%, and 27.7% of the participants identified the smoking cessation camp of the smoking cessation support center, general and professional type, the visiting smoking cessation support service, Quit Bus, and the smoking cessation support service for serviceperson and conscripted policeman respectively. There were statistically significant differences between smokers and non-smokers regarding awareness of the smoking cessation support services (except for the Quit Bus). There were also statistically significant differences between male and female participantsregarding awareness of all the smoking cessation supportservices. Conclusions The general public’s awareness regarding various smoking cessation support services to provide foundational data in order to promote policy implementations. It is essential to conduct a regular awareness survey on these supportservices and produce publicity strategies based on thisstudy’sresults. Keywords: smoking cessation; smoking cessation support services; socioeconomic factors, surveys and questionnaires, Republic of Korea