Factors associated with intention to quit among tobacco users in India: findings from TCP India survey - Wave 1 and Wave 2

Background In India, it is important to understand the factors that promote intention to quit as quitting is rather uncommon. Data from International Tobacco Control Policy (TCP) Project conducted in four states (Maharashtra, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh and West Bengal) were used to investigate the factors associated with intention to quit tobacco. Methods Data from Wave 1 (Aug 2010-Dec 2011) comprising 8,051 tobacco users and Wave 2 (Aug 2012-Dec 2013) comprising 7,401 users were analysed. Respondents reporting planning to quit using tobacco in the next month, in the next six months, or sometime in the future, were categorized as having an intention to quit. Bivariate analysis and multivariable logistic regression was used to study the relationship between intention to quit and factors associated with intention to quit among tobacco users. All analyses were performed using SPSS V.20.0. Results Intention to quit decreased from 19.6% in Wave 1 to 13.5% in Wave 2. In both waves, education, advice from doctors to quit and exposure to warning messages on tobacco packages were associated with intention to quit tobacco. Exposure to anti-tobacco messages on public transportation vehicles (OR=2.13, CI=1.49-3.08), in restaurants (OR=1.63, CI=1.11-2.40), in bars (OR=1.81, CI=1.07-3.06) and at workplaces (OR=1.73, CI=1.23-2.44) were associated with intention to quit in Wave 1. However, these relationships were not significant in Wave 2. Conclusions Perceptions of individuals leading to intention to quit are rapidly changing over the years. Future tobacco control efforts could emphasize on making warnings more effective that depict the harm of tobacco, taking into consideration, education of individuals. Also, involving doctors to advise patients to quit might increase motivation to quit tobacco use.