Abstract

Cigarette smoking is widely recognized as the most preventable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of successful smoking cessation and to identify factors associated with successful smoking cessation for patients recruited in the Quit Smoking Clinics in Perlis. This is a retrospective study reviewing the Stop Smoking Service Registry records obtained from the Quit Smoking Clinics from July to December 2022. Success in quitting smoking was defined as abstaining from smoking for at least six months following the initial appointment. Multiple logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with successful quit smoking. A total of 165 patients enrolled in the Quit Smoking Clinics in Perlis. Most of the patients were male (n=160, 97.0%), married (n=146, 88.5%), and Malay (n=149, 90.3%). More than 40% of patients seeking guidance from the clinics were able to quit smoking successfully. Those who stay near the clinic (<5km) (adjusted OR=2.49, p=0.041), attempted to quit smoking previously (adjusted OR=3.98, p=0.009), started with nicotine replacement therapy (adjusted OR=4.99, p=0.001), attended the Quit Smoking Clinic for more than ten times (adjusted OR=18.20, p=0.043) were associated with a higher rate of successful smoking cessation. Furthermore, patients with lower nicotine dependence (Fagerstorm score 0-3) had lower odds of successful smoking cessation compared to those with a higher Fagerstorm score (p=0.024). This smoking cessation service should be extensively and sustainably operated to assist smokers who are ready to quit smoking.