Factors Associated With Smoking Cessation Attempts, BRFSS, 2023

Objectives: Data for smoking-related illnesses are overwhelming. Many people make serious cessation attempts. Nevertheless, the success rate is low. The objective of this research is to determine if age is a factor in smoking cessation attempts (SCA). Results would inform resource allocation to provide interventional support where it is needed.
Methods: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System 2023 Tobacco Cessation Module data were used. People currently smoking and responding to the SCA question were included, n=5,463. Chi square and logistic regression analysis of age on SCA within the previous year were conducted.
Results: 21.9% of participants were ages 18 to <40 years; 49.0% were female; and, 76.0% were white. In bivariate analysis, participants ages 18 to <40 years were more likely to make SCA than older participants (57.9% versus 48.1%; p<.0001). In a parsimonious adjusted logistic regression model of significant bivariate factors with complete data, participants ages 18 to<40 years were 46% more likely to make SCA (Adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.21, 1.78, p =0.001). As sex is a significant epidemiological concern, although not significant in the bivariate analysis, a model additionally controlling for sex indicated that the AOR for participants ages 18 to <40 years as compared with participants ≥40 years was 1.48 (95% CI: 1.22, 1.80; p< .0001).
Conclusions: Older adults may need additional support in considering SCA.