[Smoking cessation and social deprivation: current state of knowledge and proposals for optimization]

Tobacco smoking is a major public health issue. One in two lifelong smokers will die from a disease related to tobacco use. Recent data show an increase in the prevalence of smoking in the lowest socioeconomic population. It induces a higher morbidity and mortality in this group of people than in the general population; however, stopping smoking induces an equal benefit in terms of reducing disease and mortality for everyone. Improving tobacco control requires a greater understanding of smoking and cessation in this population. The aim of this article is to review the relationship between socioeconomic status and smoking cessation. Outcomes about the intentions and behaviour of stopping and maintaining abstinence are presented. Some ways to improve smoking cessation in lower socioeconomic smokers are proposed.