Recorded presentation

Chung-won Lee, PhD, Office on Smoking and Health, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Highway NE, MS K-50, Atlanta, GA 30341-3724, 770-488-5599, clee2@cdc.gov and Ralph S. Caraballo, PhD, Office on Smoking and Health; National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 4770 Buford Hwy. N.E., mailstop K-50, Atlanta, GA 30341.

Each year, nearly one in every two adult cigarette smokers tries to quit, but only 9% of them actually succeed in quitting smoking for 7 months or longer. Little is known about factors associated with successful quitting. The objective of this study was to identify factors associated with successful quitting that could improve cessation programs. Using data from the 2000 National Health Interview Survey, we compared demographic, behavioral, and environmental characteristics of current smokers who unsuccessfully tried to quit in the past 12 months with those of former smokers who quit 7-24 months before the survey. Methods used for quit attempts were also compared between two groups. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify statistically significant factors for cessation. Among 8,214 adult current smokers and recent quitters surveyed in 2000, 4,011 persons (49%) had tried to quit smoking for ³1 day during the past year. Only 363 persons (9%) had successfully quit smoking for 7-12 months. Another 409 persons reported successfully quitting for 13-24 months. Persons who had successfully quit were more likely than others to have had a smoke-free home and less likely to have switched to low-nicotine products. In addition, successful quitters were more likely to be older and report fewer previous quit attempts than persons unsuccessful at quitting. These findings suggest that programs to promote smoking cessation might benefit if family or household members are involved in efforts to encourage smoke-free homes and if smokers are discouraged from switching to low-nicotine cigarettes as a method to quit.

Learning Objectives:

• At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able describe environmental, behavioral, and demographic factors associated with successful smoking cessation.

Keywords: Smoking, Smoking Cessation

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.

Recorded presentation