Factors Contributing to the Intention to Quit Smoking in Community-dwelling Elderly Smokers

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate factors associated with the intention to quit smoking in community-dwelling elderly smokers. METHODS: From the database of the Fourth Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (KNHANES-IV), the researchers selected 448 elderly smokers over the age of 65. Data were analyzed with the chi2 test and multiple logistic regression using the SPSS/WIN 18.0 program. RESULTS: Of the respondents, 45.5% intended to quit. The factors associated with the intention to quit were relative youth, having limit of activity day living and having past attempts to quit. CONCLUSION: Population-based smoking cessation programs, especially those targeted at the elderly, should take these predictors into consideration in the design of interventions.