OBJECTIVE: As with every institution lay a cigarette smoker, in fact, most of them already desired of quitting the habit. Hence, identifying the factors associated with successful smoking cessation is of utmost importance and needed to be addressed. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of cigarette smokers among employees of BIHMI in Davao City, assess their willingness to quit, and identify the factors which could affect successful smoking cessation.
METHODS: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study carried out among the employees of Brokenshire Integrated Health Ministries, Inc. in Davao City. Th authors compared 39 successful quitters wit 70 current smokers by conducting a research assisted question and answer using a semi-structured questionnaire. They examined the relationship of sociodemographic, behavioral characteristics, presence of comorbid medical conditions, and environmental factors to successful smoking cessation.
RESULTS: Religious belief, higher level of educational attainment. higher socioeconomic status (higher income), fewer number of cigarette sticks smoked per day, presence of comorbid medical condition, no concomitant alcohol use, and having a nonsmoking spouse or cohabitant have been identified as factors of successful smoking cessation.
CONCLUSION: This study suggests that the identified factors that affect successful smoking cessation among the employees be looked into, and appropriate strategies be carried out. Putting up a smoking cessation clinic can help not only the smoking population of the institution who desired of quitting the habit to attain long-lasting abstinence but ideally extending beyond the walls of the institution. As wellness advocates, it is our calling to address these factors.