Who Are More Likely to Have Quit Intentions among Malaysian Adult Smokers? Findings from the 2020 ITC Malaysia Survey

Abstract

Increasing quitting among smokers is essential to reduce the population burden of smoking-related diseases. Smokers’ intentions to quit smoking are among the strongest predictors of future quit attempts. It is therefore important to understand factors associated with intentions to quit, and this is particularly important in low- and middle-income countries, where there have been few studies on quit intentions. The present study was conducted to identify factors associated with quit intentions among smokers in Malaysia. Data came from the 2020 International Tobacco Control (ITC) Malaysia Survey, a self-administered online survey of 1047 adult (18+) Malaysian smokers. Smokers who reported that they planned to quit smoking in the next month, within the next six months, or sometime beyond six months were classified as having intentions to quit smoking. Factors associated with quit intentions were examined by using multivariable logistic regression. Most smokers (85.2%) intended to quit smoking. Smokers were more likely to have quit intentions if they were of Malay ethnicity vs. other ethnicities (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 1.82, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.03–3.20), of moderate (AOR = 2.11, 95% CI = 1.12–3.99) or high level of education vs. low level of education (AOR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.75), if they had ever tried to quit smoking vs. no quit attempt (AOR = 8.81, 95% CI = 5.09–15.27), if they received advice to quit from a healthcare provider vs. not receiving any quit advice (AOR = 3.78, 95% CI = 1.62–8.83), and if they reported worrying about future health because of smoking (AOR = 3.11, 95% CI = 1.35–7.15 (a little worried/moderately worried vs. not worried); AOR = 7.35, 95% CI = 2.47–21.83 (very worried vs. not worried)). The factors associated with intentions to quit smoking among Malaysian smokers were consistent with those identified in other countries. A better understanding of the factors influencing intentions to quit can strengthen existing cessation programs and guide the development of more effective smoking-cessation programs in Malaysia.

Factors Associated with Quit Intentions among Adult Smokers in South Korea: Findings from the 2020 ITC Korea Survey

“…The association between past quit attempts and the intention to quit in this study corroborates the findings of previous studies in other countries [ 12 , 13 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 21 ]. Our study is the first to show that past quit attempts were associated with quit intentions among Korean smokers.…”

“…Consistent with previous studies, our study shows that motivational factors, such as believing that smoking damages health, worrying about future health, and perceiving health benefits of quitting, were significantly associated with quit intentions in smokers [ 12 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 21 ]. This suggests that the motivation for quit intentions among Korean smokers is derived from personal concerns regarding health and quality of life, rather than from external factors like social norms.…”

“…Sociodemographic factors have been shown to be associated with quit intentions in previous studies [ 14 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 25 , 26 , 27 , 32 ]. However, the first ITC Korea cohort study (2005) on predictors of quit intentions among Korean smokers found that among sociodemographic factors, only educational level and religious affiliation were significant predictors of quit intentions [ 18 ].…”

“…Factors associated with having quit intentions vary across nations, reflecting the societal and cultural differences across countries. Predictors of quit intentions from previous studies included sociodemographics (sex, age, income, and education), history of quit attempts, duration of previous quit attempts, nicotine dependence, beliefs in quitting, benefits of quitting, self-efficacy, future health, opinion on smoking, quality of life, stress, chronic diseases, exposure to anti-smoking campaigns, smoking restrictions, and quit advice from health professionals [ 11 , 12 , 13 , 14 , 15 , 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 , 22 ].…”

“A person who do not smoke will not understand a person who smokes and trying to quit…” Insights From Quit Smoking Clinics’ Defaulters: A Qualitative Study

“…Although a local study showed that quit intent was higher among PWS with past quit attempts, this study findings highlighted retaining high self-efficacy as an essential component for sustained abstinence following quit intent. 20 Due to the dynamic of self-efficacy and smoking urges, HCPs and PWS should work together in maintaining self-efficacy by using effective strategies such as motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, health education and intervention to manage withdrawal symptoms. 21 In addition, PWS should be encouraged to reflect on past failed attempt, identifying relapse time points and triggers to work on a customised quitting plan which will increase the possibility of successful cessation in the future.…”