Factors Associated with Intention and Attempt to Quit: A Study among Current Smokers in a Rural Community of West Bengal

CONTEXT: Tobacco smoking is one of the preventable causes of death. Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2 report showed that 19% Indian males were current smokers. It is important to find out factors which help smokers on smoking cessation, ultimately to prevent of lung and other morbidities. There are few community-based studies on intention and attempt to quit smoking in rural area. AIMS: The present study aimed to determine the factors associated with intention and attempt to quit smoking among current smokers. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: A cross-sectional study was conducted from June to September 2019 among 198 male daily smokers residing in the rural field practice area of AllH and PH, Kolkata. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: After cluster sampling, data were collected by predesigned schedule by the face-to-face interview. RESULTS: 151 (76.3%) study subjects intended to quit smoking. 63 (31.8%) study subjects attempted to quit in last 1 year. Thirty-one (47.5%) showed high-to-medium nicotine dependence. There was a significant association of intention to quit with agriculture as occupation (acquisitive crime [AOR]-2.17, confidence interval [CI]-1.01–4.63), low nicotine dependence (AOR-2.98, CI-1.43–6.21), doctor's advice (AOR = 2.84, CI-1.27–6.33), and family pressure (AOR = 2.16, CI-1.07–4.38). Attempt to quit was significantly associated with low nicotine dependence (AOR = 5.85, CI-2.85–12.00), family pressure (AOR = 2.94, CI-1.47–5.91). CONCLUSION: Along with counseling to reduce nicotine dependence, comprehensive approach both from family members as well as health care providers, is vital to escalate the quitting behaviour in smoking habit.