Predictors of successfully quitting smoking among smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic at a public hospital in northeastern Malaysia

Abstract

Objective: The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic at a public hospital in northeastern Malaysia who successfully quit smoking and the predictive factors for successfully quitting smoking.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study involving smokers aged more than 18 years old and registered with the clinic from January 1, 2012, to October 31, 2014. Data were obtained with a designed questionnaire that consisted of sociodemographic information, medical history, smoking characteristics, and type of treatment received by smokers. Smokers who quit smoking 6 months after being registered at the quit smoking clinic were considered as successful quitters. Multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the predictive factors for successfully quitting smoking.

Results: From a total of 202 respondents, 42.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.8–49.4%] of them successfully quit smoking. Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of cigarettes smoked per day (adjusted odds ratio 2.51, 95% CI 1.17–5.41) and a previous quit attempt (adjusted odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.44) were significant predictors for successfully quitting smoking.

Conclusion: This study shows that the proportion of smokers who successfully quit smoking among smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic was relatively high. A number of cigarettes smoked per day of 20 or fewer and a previous quit attempt significantly predict successful quitting of smoking.