Thoughts emerging from ITC project about cessation assistance Ron Borland PhD Ron Borland PhD

Quarter to one third of attempts use meds Use rare outside western countries, except Korea Not asked

New Zealand has national line and offers subsidized NRT

Results Overall, 25% Chinese smokers reported having made at least one quit attempt between Waves 1 and 2. Compared to ITC-4 and ITC SEA countries, fewer smokers in China made quit attempts. Inter Survey Interval: China=16 months, ITC-4 countries=8 months, MY & TH=18 months. Sources: Hyland et al, 2006, Tob Control; Li et al, NTR, in press.

Note: Between the two surveys Thailand launched its first large-scale mass media anti-smoking campaign; while no campaign was introduced in Malaysia during this period.

Of those attempted in China, 21.7% were still stopped smoking at Wave 2, which is close to the maintenance rates in ITC-4 and ITC-SEA countries.

Quit attempt – Predictors Multivariate analyses showed that independent predictors of making quit attempts in Chinese smokers included: Higher quitting self-efficacy; Previous quit attempts; Having at least some intentions to quit; Lower dependence (longer time to first cigarette); Having very negative opinion of smoking; Having smoking restrictions at home *(health concerns not predictive in China) Notes: Underlined factors differ to ITC SEA countries. In China, some city to city variability.

Quit success – Predictors Independent predictors of maintenance among those who made attempts included: Older age; Having long previous abstinence from smoking (>6 months); Having more immediate quitting intentions (ie, planning to quit within 1 month); Having some health concerns about smoking (not strong concerns); (dependence, self-efficacy NOT predictive in China) Notes: Underlined factors differ to ITC SEA countries. In China, some city to city variability.

Some thoughts The cessation population may change over time Assistance only reaches a minority Those who need it may not want it early on Role of specialist clinics??? Roles for Quitlines Rx access patchy –Access for poor??? Potential of internet Knowledgeable health professionals