Annual Cessation Research Articles

Vulnerability of communities' livelihoods to the impacts of climate change in north-western highlands of Tanzania

Climate change has emerged as one of the critical challenges to human well-being. Changing climate places direct and indirect impacts on human activities and is mainly triggered by non-climatic stressors, which are diverse and inherent in many communities. However, there has been diversity in how climate and non-climatic stress factors affect human well-being and thus requiring locally specific contextualisation of how climate change is driving change in many ecosystems. This study analysed climate and non-climate factors for communities' vulnerability and impacts using a landscape approach in selected villages in the western highlands of Tanzania, specifically in Kasulu and Buhigwe districts in Kigoma Region. The aim was to understand communities' vulnerability to the impacts of climate, and non-climate processes, particularly with regard to livelihoods and impacts, particularly in forest resources. Study sites and respondents were selected through simple random and purposive sampling methods. Data were collected through household surveys, key informants interviews, and focus group discussions. Meteorological data were used for the analysis of climatic changes. Quantitative data analysis tools included meteorological statistics software such as CLIDATA, INSTAT, XLSTAT and SPSS. Theme-content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings indicate inter-annual and seasonal variabilities of rainfall and temperature levels from the normal across the study sites. The study revealed significant increasing trends for mean annual Maximum and Minimum temperature. Significant changes in rainfall patterns were decreasing seasonal and annual rainfall trends, unreliable onset and cessation, and erratic seasonal rainfall. The maximum decline of seasonal rainfall had slope values of −14.51, while the maximum decline of annual rainfall trends had a slope value of −12.76. The minimum decline for seasonal rainfall had slope values of −2.17, and annual rainfall trends had slope values of −1.36. Villages in the highland zone were found to be highly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and non-climate stress factors, with a 0.61 vulnerability index value. Major climate stress factors for communities' vulnerability included seasonal variability of rainfall and temperature increase, which influenced the increase of pests and diseases and other unfavourable climatic conditions that affect crop production and livestock keeping. The effects, directly and indirectly, influenced the low agricultural yields and decreased income. Non-climate stress factors such as landscape characteristics, mobility, inadequate extension services, and low household asset endowment might have been accelerating communities' vulnerability to the effects of the changing climate. Moreover, the study shows the climate change on a community's resilience. Generally, changes in climate conditions result in many adverse consequences and have been influencing communities' vulnerability.

The evolution of age-specific smoking cessation rates in the United States from 2009 to 2017: a Kalman filter based approach

BackgroundTracking the US smoking cessation rate over time is of great interest to tobacco control researchers and policymakers since smoking cessation behaviors have a major effect on the public’s health. Recent studies have employed dynamic models to estimate the US cessation rate through observed smoking prevalence. However, none of those studies has provided annual estimates of the cessation rate by age group. Hence, the primary objective of this study is to estimate annual smoking cessation rates specific to different age groups in the US from 2009 to 2017.MethodsWe employed a Kalman filter approach to investigate the annual evolution of age-group-specific cessation rates, unknown parameters of a mathematical model of smoking prevalence, during the 2009–2017 period using data from the 2009–2018 National Health Interview Surveys. We focused on cessation rates in the 25–44, 45–64 and 65 + age groups.ResultsThe findings show that cessation rates followed a consistent u-shaped curve over time with respect to age (i.e., higher among the 25–44 and 65 + age groups, and lower among 45-64-year-olds). Over the course of the study, the cessation rates in the 25–44 and 65 + age groups remained nearly unchanged around 4.5% and 5.6%, respectively. However, the rate in the 45–64 age group exhibited a substantial increase of 70%, from 2.5% to 2009 to 4.2% in 2017. The estimated cessation rates in all three age groups tended to converge to the weighted average cessation rate over time.ConclusionsThe Kalman filter approach offers a real-time estimation of cessation rates that can be helpful for monitoring smoking cessation behavior.

Bamboo expansion promotes radial growth of surviving trees in a broadleaf forest.

Considerable evidence indicates that some trees are more vulnerable than others during bamboo (Phyllostachys edulis) expansion, which can affect plant community structure and alter the environment, but there has been insufficient research on the growth status of surviving individuals in colonized forests. In this study, we compared the annual growth increment, growth rate, and onset, cessation, and duration of radial growth of Alniphyllum fortunei, Machilus pauhoi, and Castanopsis eyrei in a bamboo-expended broadleaf forest (BEBF) and a bamboo-absent broadleaf forest (BABF) using high-resolution point dendrometers. We found that the annual radial growth of A. fortunei, M. pauhoi, and C. eyrei was 22.5%, 172.2%, and 59.3% greater in BEBF than in BABF, respectively. The growth rates of M. pauhoi and C. eyrei in BEBF were significantly higher than in BABF by13.9 μm/d and 19.6 μm/d, whereas A. fortunei decreased significantly by 7.9 μm/d from BABF to BEBF. The onset and cessation of broad-leaf tree growth was later, and the growth duration was longer in BEBF compared to BABF. For example, A. fortunei and M. pauhoi in BEBF had more than one month longer growth duration than in BABF. Additionally, the nighttime growth rates of some surviving broad-leaf trees in BEBF was significantly higher than that in BABF. These results suggest that the surviving trees have plasticity and can adapt to atmospheric changes and competitive relationships after expansion of bamboo in one of two ways: by increasing their growth rates or by modifying onset and cessation of growth to extend the growth duration of trees or avoid the period of intense competition with bamboo, thereby growing better. Our research reveals for the first time how the growth of surviving broad-leaf trees adjusts to bamboo expansion. These results provide insights into how biological expansions impact primary production and have implications for forest management in the Anthropocene.

Guideline-based digital smoking cessation with computer, tablet orsmartphone

Tobacco smoking is related with a substantial morbidity and mortality as well as with tremendous socioeconomic burden. Therefore, an early successful smoking cessation bears an enormous medical and socioeconomic importance. The gold standard of smoking cessation, a combination of behavioral und pharmacologic therapy reaches only few smokers every year and so, guideline-based, low-threshold and broadly available digital cessation support could considerably increase the annual cessation rate. With the digital cessation program "Nichtraucherhelden" such a guideline-based program is available in Germany since December 2016. The program consists of 2 preparation days and 10program days und contains the major features of common smoking cessation courses. The present study examined the participants from December 2016 to November 2019 (n = 2491) regarding acceptance, adherence and effectivity. 69 % were female and the average age was 46 years. On average cessation was attained after 19 days. One year after the program a cessation rate of 15 % was achieved. Surprisingly, the cessation rate was higher in more addictive compared to less addictive participants. The study shows that a digital guideline-based cessation program is feasible and effectual. For confirmation a control and randomized study is required.

Monitoring the Increase in the U.S. Smoking Cessation Rate and Its Implication for Future Smoking Prevalence.

We calculate the U.S. adult smoking cessation rate for 2014-2019, compare it to the historical trend, and estimate the implication for future smoking prevalence. We repeated an earlier analysis, which examined the cessation rate from 1990 to 2014, extending the period to 2019. Employing National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data, we estimated the adult cessation rate in 6-year intervals, using weighted nonlinear least squares. We then employed a meta-regression model to test whether the cessation rate has increased beyond expectation. We used cessation rate estimates and smoking initiation rate estimates to project smoking prevalence in 2030 and eventual steady-state prevalence. The annual cessation rate increased 29% using NHIS data (from 4.2% in 2008-2013 to 5.4% in 2014-2019) and 33% with NSDUH data (4.2%-5.6%). The cessation rate increase accounts for 60% of a smoking prevalence decline in the most recent period exceeding the 1990-2013 predicted trend. The remaining 40% owes to declining smoking initiation. With current initiation and cessation rates, smoking prevalence should fall to 8.3% in 2030 and eventually reach a steady state of 3.53%. The smoking cessation rate continued to increase during 2014-2019. NHIS and NSDUH results are practically identical. The larger share (60%) of the smoking prevalence decrease, beyond expectation, attributable to the increased cessation rate is encouraging since the positive health effects of cessation occur much sooner than those derived from declining initiation. The smoking cessation rate in the United States continues to increase, accelerating the decline in smoking prevalence. This increase suggests that the Healthy People 2030 goal of 5% adult smoking prevalence, while ambitious, is attainable. Our findings can be used in simulation and statistical models that aim to predict future prevalence and population health effects due to smoking under various scenarios.

Agroclimatological Characteristics of Rainy Seasons in Southwestern Burkina Faso during the 1970-2013 Period

The different drought phases observed during the 1970-2010 period have underlined important weaknesses of West African agricultural systems. The droughts resulted in important decreases in crop production, triggering a significant deficit in food availability. Many studies have identified changes in rain events seasonal patterns as the key drivers of agricultural production failure during these drought phases. In this study, seven agriculturally-relevant intra-seasonal rainfall characteristics (i.e., annual rainfall amount, onset and cessation of the rainy season, dry spells, extreme rain events, hot spells, and strong winds) and associated constraints to crop growth are described for the main cereals (maize, millet, and sorghum) in southwestern Burkina Faso. These characteristics are calculated or determined using daily climate data from a local network of 16 weather stations spanning the 1970-2013 period. A computation of the intensity and the occurrence of these phenomena during the rainy seasons helped to draw the rainy seasons’ nomenclature. Findings suggest that the rainy seasons during the drought phases are characterized by low annual rainfall amount, late onset, early cessation and more frequent long dry spells (>7 days). Furthermore, the long dry spells mostly occurred during the most sensitive phases of crop development: germination at the beginning of the rainy season and flowering at the end of the rainy season. Also, the intensity and the probability of occurrence of the other extreme events (hot spells and strong winds) during rainy seasons are very high in the establishment phase. Thus, adaptation strategies to mitigate these unfavorable climate conditions include a selection of short-cycle crop varieties combined with supplementary irrigation systems during long dry spells.

Assessment of Rainfall and Temperature Variability on Maize Production in Kaduna State

Rainfall and temperature are important requirements in crop production. Any variation in the distribution of these elements have marked influence on the productivity of most crops including maize. This study assessed rainfall and temperature variability on maize production from 1999 to 2016 in Kaduna State, Nigeria. Data for this study were obtained mostly from secondary sources. These data include temperature, rainfall and maize production which were collected from Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet), National Bureau of Statistic (NBS) and the Kaduna State Agricultural Development Projects (KADP). Results are presented and discussed by the use of mean, mean departures, regression and correlation. To ascertain the annual trend in the meteorological parameters, a statistical t-test was carried out at the 1 and 5% levels of significance. An increasing trend in rainfall and temperature was observed with early onset and cessation dates although only temperature was significant at the 1 and 5% level. To ensure uniformity in the analysis, the average annual yield per 100,000 hectares for each of the years were determined. Thereafter a multiple linear regression (MLR) model, that include maize yield as the dependent variable and the meteorological parameters, such as annual rainfall, average annual temperature, onset and cessation of rainfall as the dependent variables was developed using least square approach. Its overall significance was tested using the statistical f-test at the 1, 5 and 10% levels of significance and found to be significant. On that basis, each of the climatic parameter was tested and temperature and rainfall were found to be significant contributors to maize production. A model for predicting maize production was then developed and it was significant at 95 and 99 % confidence level. The computed co-efficient of determination and linear correlation were 74.2% and 0.86. The study recommends the use of the model developed to determine maize yield before the production season so as to equip farmers with fore knowledge of the expected yield and make alternative adjustments were necessary.

Restricting tobacco sales to only pharmacies combined with cessation advice: a modelling study of the future smoking prevalence, health and cost impacts

ObjectiveRestricting tobacco sales to pharmacies only, including the provision of cessation advice, has been suggested as a potential measure to hasten progress towards the tobacco endgame. We aimed to quantify...

Changes in Veteran Tobacco Use Identified in Electronic Medical Records

Electronic medical records represent a new source of longitudinal data on tobacco use. Electronic medical records of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs were extracted to find patients' tobacco use status in 2009 and at another assessment 12-24 months later. Records from the year prior to the first assessment were used to determine patient demographics and comorbidities. These data were analyzed in 2015. An annual quit rate of 12.0% was observed in 754,504 current tobacco users. Adjusted tobacco use prevalence at follow-up was 3.2% greater with alcohol use disorders at baseline, 1.9% greater with drug use disorders, 3.3% greater with schizophrenia, and lower in patients with cancer, heart disease, and other medical conditions (all differences statistically significant with p<0.05). Annual relapse rates in 412,979 former tobacco users were 29.6% in those who had quit for <1 year, 9.7% in those who had quit for 1-7 years, and 1.9% of those who had quit for >7 years. Among those who had quit for <1 year, adjusted relapse rates were 4.3% greater with alcohol use disorders and 7.2% greater with drug use disorders (statistically significant with p<0.05). High annual cessation rates may reflect the older age and greater comorbidities of the cohort or the intensive cessation efforts of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The lower cessation and higher relapse rates in psychiatric and substance use disorders suggest that these groups will need intensive and sustained cessation efforts.

Has Smoking Cessation Increased? An Examination of the US Adult Smoking Cessation Rate 1990-2014.

We examine the trajectory of adult smoking prevalence in the United States over the period 1990-2014 to investigate whether the smoking cessation rate has changed during this period. We employ a dynamic model of smoking prevalence, and data from the National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) and the National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), to estimate the adult cessation rate in 6-year intervals. We use weighted nonlinear least squares to perform the estimation. We then employ a meta-regression model to test whether the cessation rate has increased. The annual cessation rate has increased from 2.4% in 1990 to 4.5% in 2014 according to the NHIS data, and from 3.2% in 2002 to 4.2% in 2014 according to the NSDUH data. The increasing trend is statistically significant (p value = 1.57×10-6) and the two independent surveys produced nearly identical results, which makes it unlikely that our findings are a product of chance. Our analysis finds that the smoking cessation rate in the United States has almost doubled since 1990. This increase is responsible for at least 2 million fewer smokers in 2014. If current conditions persist, by the year 2020 the increase in cessation rates will be responsible for 3.5 million fewer smokers. Our findings can assist in predicting the future path of the smoking epidemic and determining the correct allocation of resources to eradicate it. We show that the adult smoking cessation rate has greatly increased since 1990. We demonstrate this by studying prevalence trajectories from two independent population surveys, which yielded nearly identical results. Different from other studies, we focus on permanent quit rates (net of relapses) which we estimate from a dynamic model of prevalence. Our results do not stem from self-reported quitting behavior, but from the analysis of observed prevalence and its inherent variability. Our findings can contribute to predicting the future path of the smoking epidemic and to determining the optimal allocation of resources to eradicate it.

Smoking cessation and receipt of cessation advice from health professionals among older smokers in Taiwan

ObjectivesTo examine the prevalence and correlates of smoking cessation and receiving professional cessation advice among older smokers in Taiwan. MethodsCross-sectional data from the 2008–2010 and 2012 Taiwan Adult Smoking Behavior Survey was used to form a sample of 4081 recent active smokers aged 50+, comprising current smokers and former smokers who quit smoking within the past 12months. We examined three outcome variables: quit attempt in the past 12months, successful cessation for at least 3months, and receipt of health professional cessation advice. Multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify significant correlates. ResultsDuring the study period, the annual quit attempt rate was 41.4%, annual successful cessation rate was 4.7%, and prevalence of receiving cession advice among smokers who visited health professionals within the past 12months was 72.3%. After controlling for other covariates, quit attempts were significantly higher in 2009 and positively associated with higher education, poorer health status, smoke-free homes, and receipt of cessation advice. Successful cessation was significantly higher in 2009, positively associated with older age, higher income, and smoke-free homes, and negatively associated with receiving cessation advice. Receipt of cessation advice was significantly lower in 2010 and 2012, positively associated with male gender, older age, and poorer health status, and negatively associated with higher education. ConclusionsOur results suggest that targeting lower educated and lower income subgroups, adopting effective strategies to increase voluntary smoke-free home rules, and improving professional cessation advice will have great potential to further reduce smoking prevalence in older smokers.

Quitting smoking before and after varenicline: a population study based on two representative samples of US smokers

BackgroundVarenicline is known to have greater efficacy than other pharmacotherapy for treating nicotine dependence and has gained popularity since its introduction in 2006. This study examines if adding varenicline to...

Low-dose Computed Tomography Screening for Lung Cancer in a Clinical Setting

The purpose of this article is to review clinical computed tomography (CT) lung screening program elements essential to safely and effectively manage the millions of Americans at high risk for lung cancer expected to enroll in lung cancer screening programs over the next 3 to 5 years. To optimize the potential net benefit of CT lung screening and facilitate medical audits benchmarked to national quality standards, radiologists should interpret these examinations using a validated structured reporting system such as Lung-RADS. Patient and physician educational outreach should be enacted to support an informed and shared decision-making process without creating barriers to screening access. Programs must integrate smoking cessation interventions to maximize the clinical efficacy and cost-effectiveness of screening. At an institutional level, budgets should account for the necessary expense of hiring and/or training qualified support staff and equipping them with information technology resources adequate to enroll and track patients accurately over decades of future screening evaluation. At a national level, planning should begin on ways to accommodate the upcoming increased demand for physician services in fields critical to the success of CT lung screening such as diagnostic radiology and thoracic surgery. Institutions with programs that follow these specifications will be well equipped to meet the significant oncoming demand for CT lung screening services and bestow clinical benefits on their patients equal to or beyond what was observed in the National Lung Screening Trial.

A gender analysis of perceived climate change trends and ecosystems-based adaptation in the Nigerian wooded savannah

abstractThe Article investigates perceived climate change trends and the types of ecosystem-based adaptation that were adopted by various gender groups in the Nigerian wooded savannah.The study sourced data via a household survey, key-informant interviews and three focus group discussions in 11 communities in the study area. The study shows that the livelihoods of both male and female groups in the study population are ecosystem based. Perceived changes in the local climate included delay in the onset of rain, reduction in the total annual rainfall and early cessation of the rainy season which affected the livelihoods of men and women differently. Common ecosystem-based adaptation options are based on the impacts and the need for livelihood support, charcoal production by men, while women engaged in gardening and seed harvesting. The study also showed that uncontrolled harvesting of forestry resources without replanting have negative implications for terrestrial ecosystems and the livelihoods of both the male and female population groups in the study area. The study found that sustainable ecosystems will be enriched by involving a full range of capacity development that is beneficial to both gender groups at local and national level.

Intra-seasonal rainfall variability during the maize growing season in the northern lowlands of Lesotho

Intra-seasonal rainfall distribution was identified as a priority gap that needs to be addressed for southern Africa to cope with agro-meteorological risks. The region in the northwest of Lesotho is appropriate for crop cultivation due to its relatively favourable climatic conditions and soils. High rainfall variability is often blamed for poor agricultural production in this region. This study aims to determine the onset of rains, cessation of rains and rainy season duration using historical climate data. Temporal variability of these rainy season characteristics was also investigated. The earliest and latest onset dates of the rainy season are during the last week of October at Butha-Buthe and the third week of November at Mapoteng, respectively. Cessation of the season is predominantly in the first week of April making the season approximately 137–163 days long depending on the location. Average seasonal rainfall ranged from 474 mm at Mapoteng to 668 mm at Butha-Buthe. Onset and cessation of the rainfall season vary by 4–7 weeks and 1 week, respectively. Mean coefficient of variation of seasonal rainfall is 39 %, but monthly variations are higher. These variations make annual crop management and planning difficult each year. Trends show a decrease in the rainfall amounts but improvements in both the temporal distribution of annual rainfall, onset and cessation dates.

Impact of lung cancer screening results on smoking cessation.

Lung cancer screening programs may provide opportunities to reduce smoking rates among participants. This study evaluates the impact of lung cancer screening results on smoking cessation. Data from Lung Screening Study participants in the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST; 2002-2009) were used to prepare multivariable longitudinal regression models predicting annual smoking cessation in those who were current smokers at study entry (n = 15489, excluding those developing lung cancer in follow-up). The associations of lung cancer screening results on smoking cessation over the trial period were analyzed. All hypothesis testing used two sided P values. In adjusted analyses, smoking cessation was strongly associated with the amount of abnormality observed in the previous year's screening (P < .0001). Compared with those with a normal screen, individuals were less likely to be smokers if their previous year's screen had a major abnormality that was not suspicious for lung cancer (odds ratio [OR] = 0.811; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.722 to 0.912; P < .001), was suspicious for lung cancer but stable from previous screens (OR = 0.785; 95% CI = 0.706 to 0.872; P < .001), or was suspicious for lung cancer and was new or changed from the previous screen (OR = 0.663; 95% CI = 0.607 to 0.724; P < .001). Differences in smoking prevalence were present up to 5 years after the last screen. Smoking cessation is statistically significantly associated with screen-detected abnormality. Integration of effective smoking cessation programs within screening programs should lead to further reduction in smoking-related morbidity and mortality.

Utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide measurement with self-declared smoking cessation: enhancing abstinence effectiveness in Taiwanese outpatients

Presently, the Department of Health Taiwan has begun to fund a smoking cessation program, and the annual cessation rate was 8.9% in 2010. This study aims to see whether to enhance abstinence effectiveness by utilizing exhaled carbon monoxide (COExh) measurement with self-declared smoking cessation. The longitudinal prospective study gathered 33 subjects on quitting smoking with the motivation to join the grant program in chest outpatient from August 2009 to July 2010. Overall, subjects were given nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) in the first stage, and explored abstinence rate results in evaluation stage. The cutoff point of COExh 6 ppm or less than (≤) and patients' self-declared abstinence reports confirmed a smoking cessation success status. Point abstinences were defined as the smokers refrained from smoking at least 7 days, while continuous abstinences were defined as nonsmoking at least 3, 6 and 12 months. The validities were 198 tracking results for two stages (P < 0.001 vs P < 0.001), and sensitivity (56.5% vs 60.0%), specificity (90.1% vs 82.6%), positive predictive value (63.4% vs 60.0%) and negative predictive value (87.2% vs 82.6%) were detected. Moreover, the validities were 33 results for point and continuous abstinences at 3 month (P < 0.001 vs P < 0.001), and higher successful rates. Point abstinence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months follow-up for overall subjects were 27.2%, 15.2% and 18.1%, respectively. Continuous abstinence rates at 3, 6 and 12 months were 24.2%, 12.1% and 12.1%, respectively. Utilizing COExh measurement with self-declared smoking cessation enhanced abstinence effectiveness in Taiwanese outpatients.

Stroke: morbidity, risk factors, and care in taiwan.

Stroke is the third leading cause of death and the most common cause of complex disability in Taiwan. The annual age-standardized mortality rate of stroke is steadily decreasing between 2001 and 2012. The average years of potential life lost before age 70 for stroke is 13.8 years, ranked the fifth in the cause of death. Its national impact is predicted to be greater accompany aging population. The most common type of stroke was ischemic stroke in Taiwan. Small vessel occlusion was the majority of ischemic strokes subtype. Age, gender, hypertension, diabetes hyperlipidemia, obesity, atrial fibrillation, and smoking were important contributory factors to stroke morbidity. The standard treatment for acute ischemic stroke in Taiwan is providing the intravenous thrombolysis with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (IV tPA) therapy for ischemic stroke patients within 3 hours of symptom onset. However, the rate of IV tPA therapy for patients with acute ischemic stroke is still low in Taiwan. Therefore, improving the public awareness of stroke warning signs and act on stroke and improving in-hospital critical pathway for thrombolysis would be the most important and urgent issues in Taiwan. To improve acute stroke care quality, a program of Breakthrough Series-Stroke activity was conducted from 2010 to 2011 and stroke centers were established in the medical centers. For the prevention of stroke, it was successful to increased annual smoke cessation rate through the 2009 Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act and decreased obesity rate through a nationwide weight-loss program conducted by Health Promotion Administration from 2011 to 2013 in Taiwan.

More People Attempt to Quit Smoking After a Mass-Media Ad Campaign

In the U.S., half of all smokers attempt to quit every year, but the annual sustained cessation rate is only 5%. Advice from physicians can boost quit

Impact of the 2009 Taiwan Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act on Smoking Cessation

In January 2009, the government of Taiwan amended the 1997 Tobacco Hazards Prevention Act by extending smoke-free areas to include almost all enclosed work-places and public places, adding graphic health warnings to cigarette packages, totally banning tobacco advertisements, promotion and sponsorship and increasing tobacco taxes. This study examined the impact of the 2009 amended Act on smoking cessation in Taiwan. Taiwan Adult Tobacco Surveys 2007 and 2010, each with a nationally representative sample of adults aged 18 years and older (n = 16 588, and n = 16 295, respectively). All recent active smokers (current smokers plus former smokers who quit smoking within the past 12 months) were used for the analyses (n = 3783 in 2007, and n = 2777 in 2010). Quit attempt rate and annual cessation rate (defined as having succeeded in quitting for at least 3 months) among recent active smokers were compared between the pre-Act (2007) and post-Act (2010) periods. The quit attempt rate increased significantly from 39.4% in 2007 to 42.9% in 2010. The annual cessation rate increased significantly from 7.1 to 8.9%. A multivariate analysis, controlling for demographic characteristics, showed that the implementation of the 2009 Act was associated with an increase in the quit attempt rate [odds ratio (OR) = 1.14; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03-1.25] and the annual cessation rate (OR = 1.28; 95% CI = 1.08-1.53). The comprehensive tobacco control programme introduced in 2009 in Taiwan, which combined smoke-free legislation with a tobacco tax increase, graphic health warning labels and a total ban on tobacco advertisements, was associated with increases in quit attempt rate and annual cessation rate.