Country-level prevalence of and factors associated with smoking cessation among adolescents across 91 countries.

BACKGROUND

There is a paucity of research on patterns of attempts at smoking cessation, success, and influencing factors in adolescents. This study aims to analyze the prevalence of ex-smokers and current smokers with cessation attempts in adolescents worldwide and to identify the factors that affect cessation attempts along with outcomes.

METHODS

This study utilized the Global Youth Tobacco Survey (2010-2021) to investigate tobacco use among adolescents aged 13-15 years. Smoking status was categorized into two groups: ex-smokers, who successfully stop, and current smokers with cessation attempts. Prevalence is presented as weighted rates with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Factors influencing smoking cessation attempts and success were assessed using adjusted odds ratios (aORs) with 95% CIs.

RESULTS

Totally 9.96% of adolescents worldwide were classified as ex-smokers (95% CI 9.30%-10.63%), while 7.29% were current smokers with cessation attempts (95% CI 6.51%-8.06%). The prevalence of ex-smokers was highest in settings where primary care facilities provide tobacco-dependence treatment. The highest prevalence of current smokers with cessation attempts was observed in community-based settings. Education in schools has been shown to be associated with both smoking cessation attempts [aOR, 1.44 (95% CI 1.36-1.53)] and success [aOR, 1.16 (95% CI 1.10-1.22)]. Individuals who successfully stop smoking had lower secondhand smoke exposure than current smokers, while smokers with cessation attempts experienced higher exposure than smokers without such attempts.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of ex-smokers and current smokers with cessation attempts remains low. School-based educational programs have proven effective in promoting smoking cessation attempts and reducing exposure to secondhand smoke is essential for successful stop.