Factors associated with stage of change in smoker in relation to smoking cessation based on the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II-V

Abstract

Despite a decrease in incidence, smoking remains the most serious public health problem worldwide. Identification of the factors contributing to changes in willingness to quit smoking may aid the development of strategies that encourage smoking cessation. Pooled cross-sectional data from 11,924 smokers from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey II–V were analyzed. The stages of change in smoking cessation were categorized as pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation. Baseline characteristics, socioeconomic factors, quality of life, psychological status, and smoking-related factors were compared between groups. The smokers were grouped as follows: 32.4% pre-contemplation, 54.4% contemplation, and 13.1% preparation. The proportion of smokers in the pre-contemplation group decreased (from 37.4% to 28.4%) from 2001 to 2012, while the proportion in the preparation group increased (from 6.4% to 18.1%). Compared with the preparation group, after adjusting for confounding factors, the pre-contemplation group was older [≥65 years-old; odds ratio (OR) = 1.40], more often single (OR = 1.38), less educated (elementary school or lower; OR = 1.93), less physically active in terms of walking (OR = 1.38) or performing strengthening exercises (OR = 1.61), smoked more heavily (≥20 cigarettes per day; OR = 4.75), and had a lower prevalence of chronic disease (OR = 0.76). Moreover, smokers who had never received education on smoking cessation were less willing to quit than those who had (OR = 0.44). In Korean smokers, the stages of change for smoking cessation were associated with age, education, marital status, chronic diseases, physical activity, and participation in smoking cessation programs.

Effect of Increasing Tobacco Prices on Stages of Smoking Cessation: A Korean Nationwide Data Analysis

“…18) Another study reported that smokers with a higher educational level and income were more likely to consider quitting smoking within the next 6 months. 12) Most studies have consistently reported similar results. 10,13,18) However, in one study conducted in China, income was not significantly related to smoking cessation.…”

“…Other studies have found that socioeconomic factors affect a person’s stage of smoking cessation [ 10 , 12 , 18 ]. In one study, socioeconomic status and change in the smoking cessation stage were found to be more relevant to male smokers than to female smokers [ 18 ].…”

“…In one study, socioeconomic status and change in the smoking cessation stage were found to be more relevant to male smokers than to female smokers [ 18 ]. Another study reported that smokers with a higher educational level and income were more likely to consider quitting smoking within the next 6 months [ 12 ]. Most studies have consistently reported similar results [ 10 , 13 , 18 ].…”

“…Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test, and presented as estimated percentages and standard errors. Crude (model 1) and multiple (model 2) logistic regression models were analyzed after adjusting for the following potential confounders: age [ 9 - 11 ], area of residence, individual income [ 10 , 12 ], occupation [ 13 , 14 ], education [ 10 , 12 ], comorbidity, subjective health status, and stress level. Odds ratios (ORs) were calculated to examine the associations between different factors and changes in the smoking cessation stage (precontemplation versus contemplation or preparation).…”

Identifying High-Risk Factors of Depression in Middle-Aged Persons with a Novel Sons and Spouses Bayesian Network Model

“…As depression is not attributable to a small number of factors, trying to understand all of the potential causes can be a complex problem. For example, it has been widely shown that people who suffer from depression are more likely to engage in excessive smoking and drinking, creating a doubled-edged sword of harm towards one’s mental and physical health [ 4 ]. Further, trends in depression have been strongly linked to differences within gender [ 5 ], as well as socioeconomic and health-related reasons, such as obesity [ 6 ].…”