[Methods to quit smoking-a quantitative online survey on facilitators and barriers (RauS-study)]

Smoking is still the largest preventable health risk in Germany, which is why a higher success rate in smoking cessation would benefit both public and individual health. In order to achieve this, a better understanding of the smoking cessation methods used and the factors that facilitate and prevent smoking cessation is required. The RauS study therefore aimed to investigate which methods have been used in attempts to stop smoking, how successful these methods have been, and which factors have been perceived as helping or hindering smoking cessation.

From March to December 2022 a quantitative online survey was conducted among current or former smokers over 14 years of age (N = 6192).

Of the sample, 93% have tried to quit smoking at least once. In general, for the respondents who did or did not use e‑cigarettes/tobacco heaters, "personal willpower" was the most frequently used and perceived as the most helpful method. Among people who have used e‑cigarettes/tobacco heaters to quit smoking, e‑cigarettes with nicotine were used most frequently and were rated as the most helpful. Potential or concrete health consequences were most likely to be perceived as motivating. Rituals associated with smoking were the main barrier to quit smoking, while withdrawal symptoms played a much smaller role.

Overall, the results show that the focus on "nicotine addiction" in smoking cessation should be reconsidered, and social and ritual dimensions should be addressed more strongly. For at least some of those affected, e‑cigarettes may be a helpful method of reducing harm and/or quitting smoking.