Prevalence and Factors Associated With Attempts to Quit and Smoking Cessation in Malaysia. (October 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lim, Kuang Hock; Heng, Pei Pei; Nik Mohamed, Mohamad Haniki; Teh, Chien Huey; Mohd Yusoff, Muhammad Fadhli; Ling, Jane Miaw Yn; Baharom, Nizam; Wee, Lei Hum; Chan, Caryn Mei Hsien; Ho, Bee Kiau; Robson, Zuraini; Draman, Samsul; Ab Rahman, Norny Syafinaz; Kartiwi, Mira; Ab Rahman, Jamalludin
• Is Part Of: Asia-Pacific journal of public health. Volume 31:Number 7(2019)Supplement
• Page Start: 22S
• Page End: 31S
• Publication Date: 2019-10
• Subjects: former smokers -- current smokers -- attempt to quit -- Malaysian adults -- National Electronic Cigarette Survey; Public health -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Public health -- Asia -- Periodicals; 362.1095
• DOI: 10.1177/1010539519874944
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1010-5395

Abstract

Smoking cessation significantly reduces risk of smoking-related diseases and mortality. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with attempts to quit and smoking cessation among adult current smokers in Malaysia. Data from the National E-Cigarette Survey 2016 were analyzed. Forty nine percent of current smokers had attempted to quit at least once in the past 12 months and 31.4% of the respondents were former smokers. Multivariable analysis revealed that current smokers with low nicotine addiction and aged below 45 years were more likely to attempt to quit smoking. Being married, older age group, and having tertiary education were significantly associated with smoking cessation. Only half of the current smokers ever attempted to quit smoking and only a third of smokers quit. Stronger tobacco control policies are needed in Malaysia to encourage more smokers to quit smoking. Improved access to cessation support for underprivileged smokers is also needed.