Factors Associated with Short-Term Smoking Cessation Based on Data about Treatment Supporting Business in Health Insurance

Abstract

Background: Because of the increased interest in smoking cessation, active government policy efforts, including smoking cessation treatment supported by health insurance provided by businesses, began in Korea in 2015. Using database data, we investigated the rate of success, as well as the factors associated with successful smoking cessation and the correlations between these. Methods: One hundred fifty-eight participants who visited the Gimpo Woori Hospital Smoking Cessation Clinic between February 1 and December 31, 2015 completed a questionnaire from the National Health Insurance Service concerning health insurance provided by businesses, which consisted of items concerning their smoking habits, alcohol consumption, nicotine dependency, and others. In addition, we measured expiratory carbon oxide levels, followed by the prescription of drugs and smoking cessation counseling. Results: More than one-quarter (29.1%) of the participants succeeded in quitting smoking, and these had significantly greater body mass index scores (P=0.027), longer abdominal circumference (P=0.024), a lower daily smoking amount (P=0.005), and less nicotine dependence (P=0.002) than the participants who failed to quit smoking. After controlling for the other variables, the important factors associated with successful smoking cessation were abdominal circumference (odds ratio [OR]=1.158; confidence interval [CI], 1.018–1.316) and nicotine dependence (OR=0.771; CI, 0.656–0.907). Conclusion: Longer abdominal circumference and lower nicotine dependence were associated with successful short-term smoking cessation. Further studies aimed at improving rates of smoking cessation should be conducted using a greater amount of accumulated data.