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Predictors of Intention to Quit Smoking Among Jordanian University Students

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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.

Résumé

Objet: Déterminer les variables prédictives qui influencent le renoncement au tabac chez les collégiennes et les collégiens jordaniens et tester l’utilité du modèle transthéorique des étapes du changement pour les futurs programmes de renoncement au tabac dans cette population.

Méthode: Nous avons mené, dans deux universités jordaniennes, un sondage transversal auprès de collégiennes et de collégiens fumeurs (de 18 à 22 ans) sélectionnés au hasard. Le sondage comportait: un questionnaire sur le tabagisme; un questionnaire sur l’auto-efficacité liée au tabagisme; l’échelle de l’estime de soi de Rosenberg; les obstacles au renoncement; et le test de dépendance à la nicotine de Fagerström. En raison de la complexité des facteurs contextuels et individuels liés à l’usage du tabac, nous avons opté pour une approche de modélisation en équations structurelles afin de déterminer les variables susceptibles d’influencer la participation à des programmes de renoncement au tabac.

Résultats: Nous avons obtenu un taux de réponse de 75 %, soit 800 répondants et répondantes (90 % d’hommes). Nous avons cerné trois grands facteurs contribuant au renoncement au tabac: a) un niveau de préparation élevé, b) une expérience antérieure des obstacles au renoncement au tabac et c) une expérience de renoncement préalable.

Conclusions: Nos constatations donnent à penser qu’il ne faut pas mesurer la valeur des programmes de renoncement au tabac sur la seule base des taux de rechute. Pour améliorer le maintien à long terme de l’abstinence, ces programmes devraient donc faciliter la reprise du traitement et culpabiliser le moins possible les participants.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University of Science & Technology, P.O. Box 3030, Irbid, Jordan, 11220

    Linda G. Haddad RN, PhD

  2. Faculty of Nursing, Jordan University, Amman, Jordan

    Wasileh Petro-Nustas RN, DrPh

Authors
  1. Linda G. Haddad RN, PhD
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  2. Wasileh Petro-Nustas RN, DrPh
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Linda G. Haddad RN, PhD.

Additional information

Acknowledgement: This study was funded by Abdul-Hameed Shoman Foundation, Scientific Research Trust, Amman, Jordan.

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Haddad, L.G., Petro-Nustas, W. Predictors of Intention to Quit Smoking Among Jordanian University Students. Can J Public Health 97, 9–13 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF03405204

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