Intention to quit smoking among male smokers in Yangon, Myanmar: Theory of Planned Behavior Approach

Abstract

Cigarette smoking has been the causes for preventable deaths and various diseases for people for a long time. The purpose of this study is to examine which socio-demographic factors, current smoking practice, nicotine dependence, past smoking quit attempts, and variables of theory of planned behavior were associated with the intention to quit smoking among Myanmar male smokers. A cross sectional study was conducted in four townships of Yangon, Myanmar in May and June, 2016. Total respondents of 339 male smokers of 18 years and above were involved in the study and were assessed their intention to quit smoking. In the study, 128 male smokers reported that they had no intention to quit smoking. Among them, 124 smokers reported having weak intention to quit smoking and 87 of them reported having strong intention to quit smoking. The factors associated with the intention to quit smoking of Myanmar male smokers were age (p value = 0.019), smoking ban in workplace (p value = 0.016), average amount of cigarette consumed per day (p value = 0.001), last year smoking quit attempts (p value <0.001), frequency of last year quit attempts (p value <0.001), attitudes towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.004), perceived social norms towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.050) and self-efficacy towards smoking cessation (p value = 0.019). Given the findings, the smoking cessation program in Myanmar should be focused on different age groups of male smokers. In addition to that, they should be encouraged to attempt the quitting smoking frequently. Smoking cessation program should involve family members and friends should be implemented.