The relationship between nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking: A cross-sectional study

To assess the relationship between nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking in a sample of adult Saudi population and identify the primary motivations and barriers affecting their decision and willingness to quit smoking.

Data collection was conducted from March 1 to March 30, 2023, through an online questionnaire designed to predict the relationship between nicotine dependence and willingness to quit smoking. Participants included adults who smoke (≥ 18 years of age, n = 289). The questionnaire included three sections covering basic demographic information; the willingness to quit in the next 30 days with reasons; and items related to the Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence. A multiple logistic regression model estimated the adjusted effects of sex, age, education, duration of smoking, and level of nicotine dependence on the willingness to quit.

A high level of nicotine dependence was recorded for 38 participants (13 %). No significant differences were reported in the participants' characteristics between those who had the willingness to quit smoking in the next 30 days and those who had not. Health issues was the most selected reason for willingness to quit smoking (75.2 %). Social and psychological factors such as enjoying smoking (74.2 %), friends are smoking (21.9 %), followed by depression (17.2 %) were among the reported reasons for not being willing to quit smoking.

While demographic characteristics, duration of smoking, and nicotine dependence level did not significantly correlate with participants' willingness to quit, health concerns was a key motivator. Significant barriers to the smoking cessation decisions appeared to be related to social influences and psychological challenges.