It is widely known that smoking is harmful to health, the environment and society and
causes economic losses. Smoking is recognized as a crucial problem in public health because
it causes deaths and diseases. Campaigns for cigarette consumption control have been raised
by various organizations. Consequently, these efforts have produced a trend in smoking
reduction. However, there are still a huge number of smokers who have failed in attempts to
quit smoking .
This study aimed to explore factors that influence success in quitting smoking among
Thai smokers. Data in the study was from the Project on “Impacts of the Policy on Tobacco
Consumption Control in Thailand”, Round 1 and Round 2. The sample group was composed
of male and female smokers over the age of 18. A total of 1,558 smokers were interviewed.
Logistic regression was used to analyze the data.
The study reveals that age had an influence on success to quit smoking. For every
extra year of age, there was an average 4 percent greater chance of quitting smoking. Heads of
households had a 58 percent greater chance of success in quitting than those who were not
heads of household. For every extra person in the household who was a smoker, there was a
98 percent greater chance of the person not successfully quitting. For every extra child in the
household, there was a 37 percent greater chance of success. Finally, where the house had a
smoking restricted area, there was nearly twice as much chance of success.
To effectively control and prevent smoking, it is necessary for concerned parties to put
the focus on impacts of smoking on health of children and family members. The importance of
smoke free homes should be campaigned for and raised in a continual process. In addition to
this, household heads should be targeted more.
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