The effect of thirdhand smoke belief on intention to quit smoking

Abstract

Aims: The study aimed to investigate the effect of thirdhand smoke perception (THS) on the intention to quit smoking. Methods: We measured the perceptions of 285 smokers who admitted and did not admit to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic by the Third Hand Smoke Scale (THS) and their addiction by the Fagerström Nicotine Addiction Scale (FNAS). The factors affecting the intention to quit smoking were examined by logistic regression analysis. Results: While 88.8% of the participants heard about passive smoking, only 14.4% stated that they had heard of thirdhand smoke. Those admitted to the smoking cessation outpatient clinic, those who had at least one smoking quitting attempt, those who wanted to quit smoking, those with high addictions, and those who were banned on smoking at home had a high THS perception, but no difference was observed in the parents. Conclusion: Although SHS is high in smokers, we believe there is a need for the perception of THS to be supported to want and try to quit smoking. Even though the perception of THS, which has been studied for more than 10 years, is not at the desired level, it will be a strong psycho-technique with the concrete data it reveals in quitting smoking with the social training and orientations to be given.