Quit Smoking Clinic: Factors Associated with Successful Quit Smoking in Besut District, Terengganu State of Malaysia

Abstract

Background: Malaysian National Health and Morbidity Survey 2019 illustrated the prevalence of current smoker was 21.3%. Out of current smokers, only about half of them made an attempt to quit smoking in the past 12 months and only 7.4% of the smokers had visited a healthcare provider for quit smoking advice. The “Quit Smoking Clinic” was established in Malaysia since 2000 to make smoking cessation service accessible for everyone. This study aims to determine the factors associated with successful quit smoking among smokers attending “Quit Smoking Clinic” in Besut District, Malaysia. Methods: A district-wide record review study using “Quit Smoking Clinic” record [BPKK/KBM(PKD)/3/2012 Amendment 2018] from seven health clinics was conducted. A logistic regression (LR) model was performed to assess the factors influencing successful quit smoking status. A success quit smoking status was defined as remaining abstinent from smoking behavior at six months of clinic follow-up. Result: A sample of 414 clients from seven health clinics in Besut were included, 14.3% of them had a success quit smoking status. In the final MLR model, factors influencing successful quit smoking were older age group 45 years old and above (Adj. OR 2.27; 95% CI: 1.22, 4.22, p-value=0.010), voluntary participation in the clinic (Adj. OR 1.86; 95% CI: 1.00, 3.45, p-value=0.049) and frequent visits to the clinic (Adj. OR 5.33; 95% CI: 2.88, 9.86, p-value<0.001). Conclusion: Recognition of these factors associated with the success of quit smoking status is beneficial to improve the service of “Quit Smoking Clinic” as well as to promote an accessible smoking cessation support for smokers in the district. Reinforcement of tobacco control policies in Malaysia is imperative to encourage more smokers to quit smoking in the country.