Intention to Quit Smoking among Intermediate and Secondary School Students in Saudi Arabia

Background: Smoking is one of the most preventable causes of disease and death, including cancer, andquitting at an early age can reduce smoking-related morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to estimate theprevalence and to identify factors affecting the “intention to quit” among intermediate and secondary schoolcurrent cigarette smoker students in Al Madinah city, Saudi Arabia. Materials and
Methods: This study cohortincluded 307 current smoker students in a school-based survey. The intention to quit and its related determinantswere assessed using a self-administered questionnaire.
Results: More than half of the participants were ≥17years, and of male gender (54.7%, 77.9% respectively). An intention to quit smoking was reported in 71.7% ofparticipants, and was been significantly associated with: male gender (OR=3.25, 95% CI=1.65-6.41): age at 1sttrial of smoking. 10-15 years (OR=2.11, 95% CI=1.03-4.32) along with age of ≥15 years (OR=3.10, 95% CI=1.20-7.88); days of smoking in the past 30 days (days <10 (OR=2.31, 95% CI=1.23-4.35) along with days rangingfrom 10-19 days (OR= 3.42, 95% CI=1.18-9.91); knowing that smoking is hazardous to health (OR=3.04, 95%CI=1.42-6.47); and finally, supporting smoking bans in public places (OR=1.89, 95% CI=1.11-3.25).
Conclusions:A substantial number of participants were willing to quit smoking. Effective interventions focusing on providinginformation about the hazards of smoking and prohibiting smoking in public places could help initiate theintention to quit among youth smokers.