Determinants of use of smoking cessation aids in 27 European countries

To identify determinants of use of smoking cessation aids among current and former smokers in the European Union (EU).

Data from n=9921 current and ex-smokers from 27 European countries (Eurobarometer 77.1, February-March 2012) were analysed. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to assess for correlates of use of any recommended aid with proven efficacy, defined as use of pharmacotherapy or psychosocial counselling (p<0.05). The regression analyses assessed for socio-demographic characteristics, EU region, as well as scope of national smoking cessation policies.

Among current smokers who had made a quit attempt and ex-smokers, 19.9% had used any recommended aid with proven efficacy. Respondents from Northern (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=1.90), Western (aOR=3.21) and Eastern Europe (aOR=1.69) were more likely to have used an efficacious smoking cessation aid compared to respondents from Southern Europe (all p<0.05). Respondents in countries with comprehensive tobacco cessation programmes that offered cost-covered national quit lines, medication, and other cessation services had increased likelihood of using efficacious cessation aids (OR=1.29; 95% Confidence Interval: 1.07-1.55).

These findings underscore the need for enhanced and sustained efforts to ensure increased access to cessation services and aids as part of a comprehensive tobacco control programme.