Factors influencing smoking cessation: Insights from Singapore’s nationwide health and lifestyle survey

Abstract

Introduction: Singapore has implemented an evidence-based smoking cessation framework to support smokers in quitting. Our study investigated the prevalence and correlates of (1) quit attempts (QA) and quit intentions (QI) among current smokers, and (2) smoking cessation (SC) among ever-smokers in Singapore. Method: Data was collected from a nationwide survey conducted between 2020 and 2022. QA was defined as attempting to stop smoking at least once in the past 12 months, while QI was defined as planning to quit smoking in the next 30 days or the next 6 months. SC referred to individuals who quit smoking over 6 months ago. Sociodemographic factors, doctor’s advice to quit and perceived harm from smoking were assessed using logistic regression among current smokers (n=1024) and ever-smokers (n=1457). Results: Among current smokers, 31.3% and 41.2% reported QI and QA, respectively. Smokers with secondary or pre-tertiary education were less likely to report QI compared to those with a degree or higher. Doctor’s advice to quit was associated with a higher likelihood of QA. Among ever-smokers, 25.3% reported SC, and this was more likely when they perceived smoking one or more packs of cigarettes daily as posing a moderate or high health risk. Conclusion: Educational campaigns should focus on simplifying messages for individuals with lower literacy levels. Smoking cessation training can be integrated into medical education, and graphic health warnings on cigarette packs can help effectively communicate the dangers of smoking.