Predictors of intention to quit smoking among Jordanian University students

Abstract

Purpose: To identify predictors that influence tobacco smoking cessation among Jordanian college students and to test the utility of the Trans-Theoretical Model for future cessation programs in this population. Method: A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected college students (18 to 22 years of age) who were smokers was conducted at two Jordanian universities. The surveys included the: Tobacco Use Questionnaire; Tobacco Use Self-Efficacy; Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale; Barriers to Cessation; and the Fagerstrom Tobacco Nicotine Dependency Scale. Due to the complex nature of the contextual and individual factors related to smoking behaviour, a structural equation modeling approach was used to identify variables that may influence participation in tobacco smoking cessation programs. Results: There was a 75% response rate with a total of 800 students (90% male) completing the survey. Three factors were identified as major contributors toward quitting smoking: a) a high stage of readiness, b) previous experience with barriers to smoking cessation, and c) past experience with quitting. Conclusions: The findings suggest that the value of smoking cessation programs should not be measured on recidivism rates alone. The implications are that such programs should make return to treatment easy and as guilt free as possible to improve ultimate long-term smoking abstinence.