Predictors of intention to quit cigarette smoking among Chinese adults

Abstract

Abstract Background: Cigarette smoking is the highest ranked preventable cause of morbidity and mortality with a significant economic burden in China. The objectives of this study were to examine predictors of intention to quit smoking as well as predictors of previous attempts to quit smoking among a sample of Chinese adult smokers (n=351). Methods: A survey-based study was conducted by using a convenience sample of adults aged 18 years or older in China. Individuals who smoked at least one cigarette in the past 30 days were defined as smokers and considered as the study cohort. Multivariate logistic regression models were constructed to determine predictors of intention to quit smoking and previous attempts to quit smoking for three outcomes: intend to quit smoking in the next year vs. not, intend to quit smoking in the next 30 days vs. not, and previous attempts to quit smoking vs. not. All statistical analyses were conducted using SAS version 9.2 statistical package. Results: Majority of smokers reported attempts to quit smoking at least once in the past (60.4%). Nearly half of the smokers indicated an intention to quit smoking in the next year (46.4%), and 31.3% in the next 30 days. Significant predictors of intention to quit cigarette smoking included age, gender, peer pressure, duration of past attempt, sibling’s and close friend’s tobacco use, inhalation when smoking, and addictive level. Predictors of previous attempts to quit smoking included duration of past attempt. Conclusions: Findings suggest a high level of a previous quit attempt among smokers and somewhat high rate of intention to quit smoking in the future, underscoring the urgent need to develop effective interventions. Predictors associated with intention to quit smoking and previous attempts to quit smoking among Chinese adult smokers found in this study should be considered when designing interventions.