The French Observational Cohort of Usual Smokers (FOCUS) cohort: French smokers perceptions and attitudes towards smoking cessation

Abstract

BackgroundDespite increasing governmental anti-smoking measures, smoking prevalence remains at a high level in France.MethodsThe objectives of this panel study were (1) to estimate smoking prevalence in France, (2) to identify smokers' profiles according to their perceptions, attitudes and behaviour in relation to smoking cessation, (3) to determine predictive factors of quit attempts, and (4) to assess tobacco-related behaviours and their evolutions according to the changes in the smokers' environments. A representative sample of French population was defined using the quota method. The identified cohort of smokers was assessed, in terms of smoking behaviour, previous quit attempts, and intention to quit smoking.ResultsA response rate of 66% for the screening enabled to identify a representative sample of the French population (N = 3 889) comprising 809 current smokers (21%). A majority of current smokers (63%) had made an attempt to quit smoking. Main reasons for having made the last attempt were cost (44%), social pressure (39%), wish to improve physical fitness (36%), fear of a future smoking-related disease (24%), and weariness of smoking (21%). Few attempts (16%) were encouraged by a physician. In those who used some kind of support (38%), NRT was the mostly used. Relapse was triggered by craving (45%), anxiety/stress (34%), a significant life event (21), weight gain (18%), and irritability (16%). Depression was rarely quoted (5%). Forty percent of smokers declared they intended to quit smoking permanently. Main reasons were cost (65%), physical fitness improvement (53%), fear of a future smoking-related disease (43%), weariness of tobacco (34%), and social pressure (30%). Using a smoking cessation treatment was considered by 43% of smokers that intended to quit. Barriers to smoking cessation were mainly fear of increased stress (62%), irritability (51%), and anxiety (42%), enjoying smoking (41%), and weight concerns (33%).ConclusionSmoking prevalence and smoking cessation attempts rate were lower in this survey than in previous reports. Cost and social pressure were the main reasons for quitting smoking, maybe an effect of dramatic tax increases and smoking ban.

Photoelectric Stimulation of Defined Ear Points (Smokex-Pro Method) as an Aid for Smoking Cessation: A Prospective Observational 2-Year Study with 156 Smokers in a Primary Care Setting

“…A study in France found 'health' as a reason to quit on rank four with 24% [15] , and a recent Chinese study found the same reason to be on rank one with 55% [16] ; however, the authors affirm that considerably fewer Chinese smokers are willing to quit in international comparisons [17] . This high concern for health in the present study could be due to the setting of the treatment unit in a health centre and affiliated with a general practitioner's practice.…”

Smokers’ Knowledge About Smoking-Related Health Problems in Lebanon

“…In a review of the published literature before 2003, McCaul et al found that most smokers who have quit or who are thinking about doing so are mostly concerned about health problems (McCaul et al, 2006). Many studies confirm the fact that health concerns constitute a major motive, for adult smokers and even adolescents, to quit smoking beside other motives such as cost, esthetic, and athletic performance (Aubin et al, 2010;Aung, Hickman, & Moolchan, 2006;Sieminska et al, 2008;Yang, Fisher, Li, & Danaher, 2006;Youssef, Abou-Khatwa, & Fouad, 2003). Studies evaluating the motivation of smokers to quit smoking during or after being present in a hospital setting because of any health problem are numerous.…”

The Galanin Receptor 1 Gene Associates with Tobacco Craving in Smokers Seeking Cessation Treatment

“…Craving has been suggested to be among the most important acute factors contributing to unsuccessful quitting or smoking relapse (Tiffany et al, 2009;Aubin et al, 2010;Killen et al, 2006;Killen and Fortmann, 1997;Piasecki, 2006), but it remains understudied. For example, no clear data on heritability of tobacco craving are available.…”