Factors associated with quitting smoking among males: Findings from Indonesian national health survey

Background
In Indonesia, smoking is a leading cause of death and is predominantly a male behavior. Despite efforts to lower smoking rates, it remains prevalent. To tackle the strain on the healthcare system caused by tobacco use, evidence-based interventions are necessary to focus on male smokers and boost cessation rates.
Objectives
This study aims to investigate the factors associated with quitting smoking among male smokers in Indonesia.
Methods
This study utilized Indonesia's national health survey data. The outcome variable was quitting smoking among male smokers. Independent variables involved sociodemographic characteristics, alcohol drinking, and the number of cigarettes consumed. The factors associated with quitting smoking were examined by using binary logistic regression.
Results
The quitting smoking rate was 13.4 %. Male smokers from older age groups (aOR 2.516; CI 2.326–2.722), urban areas (aOR 1.291; CI 1.254–1.329), married (aOR 1.292; CI 1.219–1.370), divorced/widower (aOR 1.261; CI 1.159–1.373), and higher education (aOR 2.391; CI 2.245–2.546) had a higher likelihood of quitting smoking. On the contrary, male smokers who consumed alcohol (aOR 0.419; CI 0.394–0.445), worked as farmers/fishermen (aOR 0.446; CI 0.425–0.468), and smoked more cigarettes per day (aOR 0.909; CI 0.907–0.911) were less likely to quit smoking.
Conclusion
This study discovered that age, area of residence, marital status, education level, employment, alcohol drinking, and cigarette dose were significantly associated with quitting smoking among males. Reducing cigarette affordability, promoting awareness of tobacco-related diseases, and creating more smoke-free spaces can effectively reduce smoking and health risks.