Factors Associated with the Intention to Quit Smoking among Clients Attending Smoking Cessation Clinics in Nakhon Ratchasima Province

Abstract

This study aimed to assess the level of intention to quit smoking and analyze associated factors among clients attending smoking cessation clinics in Nakhon Ratchasima Province. A multi-stage sampling approach was employed. In the first stage, seven hospitals with smoking cessation clinics were selected. In the second stage, 272 participants who met the inclusion criteria were recruited through consecutive sampling. Data was collected between November 2024 and February 2025 using a researcher-developed questionnaire The results showed that majority of sample were male (94.85%), with a mean age of 37.88 years (SD=15.63). Most participants had a history of smoking conventional cigarettes (97.78%), and 25.19% had a history of e-cigarette use. The participants demonstrated a good-to-moderate level of intention to quit smoking (93.41%), and 57.58% reported a high level of perceived self-efficacy in controlling their smoking cessation behavior. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed five factors significantly associated with the intention to quit smoking: perceived self-efficacy (β=0.52, p-value<0.001), age (β=0.25, p-value=0.001), motivation to quit smoking (β=0.21, p-value=0.013), adherence to advice from healthcare providers (β=0.14, p-value=0.038), and having no history of e-cigarette use (β=0.13, p-value=0.047). The model accounted for 65.2% of the variance in intention to quit smoking (Adjusted R²=0.652). These findings indicate that perceived self-efficacy, motivation, and support from healthcare providers play a crucial role associated with the intention to quit smoking. Therefore, the development of integrated counseling programs aimed at enhancing perceived self-efficacy and clearly communicating smoking-related risks would improve readiness and intention to quit, particularly among adolescents and young adults.