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Smoking cessation: intentions, attempts and techniques
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by Scott T. Leatherdale and Margot Shields
Abstract
Keywords
Findings
Authors
What is already known on this subject?
What does this study add?
Abstract
Background
A better understanding of characteristics associated with intentions to quit smoking and quit attempts and of the use of various aids is required to develop effective cessation strategies.
Data and methods
Data from the 2006 Canadian Tobacco Use Monitoring Survey were used to examine intentions to quit smoking, quit attempts, use of cessation aids, and receipt of cessation advice from health professionals.
Results
One-third of Canadian smokers aged 15 or older reported intentions to quit within the next 30 days, and almost half had tried to quit in the past year. The number of cigarettes smoked per day was associated with intending to quit and quit attempts. The intention to quit was strongly associated with the number of past quit attempts. Half of current smokers who had seen a doctor in the past year had been advised to reduce or quit smoking.
Keywords
health personnel, nicotine dependence, nicotine replacement therapy, pharmaceutical aid, quit attempts, smoking quit methods, tobacco, tobacco use cessation
Findings
Despite the serious health risks, a considerable number of Canadians continue to smoke. However, the vast majority of smokers regret having started. Many are interested in quitting and have tried to do so, but most cessation attempts are unsuccessful. A better understanding of smokers’ intentions and quit attempts may further the development of effective cessation strategies. [Full text]
Authors
Scott T. Leatherdale (416-971-9800, ext 3237; scott.leatherdale@cancercare.on.ca) is with the Department of Population Studies and Surveillance, Cancer Care Ontario, 620 University Avenue Toronto, Ontario, M5G 2L7; Margot Shields (613-951-4177; Margot.Shields@statcan.gc.ca) is with the Health Analysis Division at Statistics Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0T6.
What is already known on this subject?
- Most Canadian smokers report that they want to quit.
- Previous research has examined a variety of characteristics associated with intending to quit and cessation attempts, but the evidence is often mixed and not specific to the Canadian population.
- Most quit attempts fail.
- Smokers who try to quit are more likely to relapse if they do not use a formal cessation method.
What does this study add?
- A third of smokers reported that they intended to quit in the immediate future, and close to half had tried to do so in the previous year.
- The majority of smokers who tried to quit did not use pharmaceutical cessation aids, which increase the likelihood of success.
- Many smokers who want to quit are skeptical about the effectiveness and safety of pharmaceutical aids.
- Half the smokers who had contacted a doctor in the past year reported that they had been advised to reduce or quit smoking; among younger smokers, 38% reported that they had received such advice.
