Prevalence and correlates of intention to quit smoking among Jordanians and Syrians in Jordan: Results of a national STEPS survey in 2019

Abstract

The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and associated factors of intention to quit smoking among adults in Jordan in 2019. National data was analysed from 5,713 adults (50.9% Jordanians and 49.1% Syrians) aged 18 to 69 years (mean 36.7) who participated in the cross-sectional “2019 Jordan STEPS survey.” The results indicate that 31.5% of the participants intend to quit smoking, 30.8% among Jordanians, and 39.8% among Syrians. In adjusted logistic regression analysis, compared to Syrian participants, Jordanian participants were less likely to have the intention to quit smoking (AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: 0.49-0.92). Furthermore, past year smoking quit attempt (AOR: 2.51, 95% CI: 1.70-3.71) and having noticed health warnings on cigarette smoking in the newspaper (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.12-3.20) were positively associated with the intention to quit smoking. In addition, in unadjusted analysis, past year medical advice to stop smoking, TV, radio and internet and social media exposure about the “dangers of smoking cigarettes or that encourages quitting” were associated with intention to quit smoking. About one in three adults in Jordan intend to quit smoking, and several associated factors were identified that can assist in planning interventions.