Factors Affecting the Intention to Quit among Women Smokers in Turkey

OBJECTIVES: Tobacco use is an important public health problem that affects adversely the quality of life. A person’s attitude toward quitting tobacco use can be reflected by the desire or intention to quit smoking. The aim of this study was to determine risk factors affecting women’s intention to quit tobacco in Turkey. METHODS: In this study, the data obtained from the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) were used. The GATS is a standard method used in countries to monitor and evaluate the frequency of tobacco use in adults and tobacco control practices. The data used in the study was obtained from the GATS carried out in Turkey in 2008 and 2012. The data related to 1248 women smoking tobacco were used in the analysis. The relationship between women’s intention to quit tobacco use and socio-demographic and economic variables was examined. RESULTS: Men were excluded from the analysis because the focus of the study was women. It was determined that 732 of 1248 women using tobacco intend to quit smoking tobacco. 40.4% of women smoking tobacco are primary school graduates. Women, who were aware of anti-smoking messages and exposed to stimulants that promote smoking, were 36.4% and 27% more likely to intend to stop tobacco use after the next month, respectively. It was observed that women living in a house, where smoking is allowed, are less likely to quit smoking than others (ME = -0.522). This shows the importance of domestic restrictions. CONCLUSION: Intending to quit is an important preliminary step to quit. Understanding the factors associated with the intention to quit smoking can help tobacco users to stop using it and shape effective policies to increase the quit rates.