The Impact of Smokers' Information-Seeking Behavior on Smoking Cessation

Smoking has a harmful effect on human body and is rated to be the primary cause of preventable premature disease and death worldwide, while it is responsible for at least 25 life-threatening diseases.

An empirical investigation has been carried out through the development and distribution of a structured questionnaire. The sample of empirical investigation consisted of 150 smokers aged over 18 years (response rate 85.7%).

Descriptive analysis and correlation control of questionnaire variables are used to report the findings of the study.

Information about passive smoking, smoking consequences, and current therapies in quitting smoking were rated highest among smoke-related information needs. The main sources of information were family/relatives/friends/colleagues and Internet and less important factors were formal sources like medical staff, health professionals, and primary health care services. Ε-health literacy is correlated with higher self-efficacy, positive intention to quit smoking, and better educational level while is negatively correlated with increasing age.

The creation of specialized programs and upgraded information services is fundamental for successful smoking cessation. These programs and services should be addressed to all socioeconomic groups and combined with the improvement in smokers' e-health literacy will contribute to a higher self-efficacy and finally drive them to quit smoking.