Can initial perceptions about quitting predict smoking cessation among Malaysian smokers?
Siti Munira Yasin1, Retneswari Masilamani, Moy Foong Ming
1Population Health and Preventive Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Technology MARA, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. sitimu.yasin@gmail.com
The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health
|October 23, 2012
Summary
Smokers
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Medicine
Background:
- Perceived risks and benefits of smoking cessation are crucial for treatment success.
- Understanding these perceptions can inform tailored interventions.
- Previous research highlights the psychological factors influencing smoking cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between initial perceived risks and benefits of quitting smoking and cessation outcomes.
- To explore how demographic factors, like education level, influence these perceptions.
- To identify specific perceived benefits or risks that predict successful smoking cessation.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 185 treatment-seeking smokers in Malaysia participated.
- Participants completed the Perceived Risks and Benefits Questionnaire (PRBQ) before treatment.
- Smoking status was assessed at two months post-treatment.
- Interventions included structured behavioral therapy and free Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT).
Main Results:
- Smokers intending to quit showed better understanding of cessation benefits than risks.
- Higher education correlated with a greater understanding of quitting benefits (p = 0.02).
- Perceived risks (weight gain, negative affect, social ostracism, loss of enjoyment, craving) did not predict abstinence.
- Belief in increased physical attraction post-cessation was linked to lower abstinence rates (OR 0.18).
- Other perceived benefits (health, well-being, self-esteem, finances, social approval) showed no association with cessation outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Baseline perceptions of smoking cessation benefits did not correlate with two-month quit success in this Malaysian cohort.
- The perceived benefit of enhanced physical attraction may paradoxically hinder cessation.
- Future research should explore how counseling impacts these perceptions during the cessation process.
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