Socioeconomic Inequalities in Intention to Quit Smoking Plan Among Korean Adults, 2016-2021

Objective: Smoking is the largest preventable cause of cancer morbidity and mortality; however, the smoking prevalence in Korea remains high. Several studies have shown that health behaviors vary by socioeconomic status, indicating that similar inequalities would be found in smoking behavior. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the disparities in smoking cessation intention according to socioeconomic status. Methods: Data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey VII-VIII (2016-2021). We analyzed the answers of 4596 smokers who were asked "Do you have a plan to quit smoking within 6 months?" Regarding their socioeconomic status; education, income, and occupation level. We performed logistic regression and measured health inequality using the slope index of inequality (SII) and the relative index of inequality (RII). Results: In this sample, the prevalence of having a plan to quit smoking was 30.5%, whereas 69.5% had no plan. After adjusting for covariates, the odds ratio for intending to quit smoking within 6 months was higher among those living with a cohabitant compared to those living alone. Intention to quit did not differ significantly by income level; however, education level and occupation level were significantly associated with having a plan to quit smoking. To analyze the disparities, we observed the index SII and RII values. In the SII and RII values, which represent the absolute and relative inequalities, there was a significant difference in the level of education and occupation, but not in the level of income. Conclusion: There were inequalities in the intention to quit smoking plan depending on socioeconomic status, including education, household income, and occupational levels.