The 13th World Conference on Tobacco OR Health

Objective: This presentation shows retrospective analysis of survey findings in 890 subjects about traits of those willing to QUIT but FAILED to QUIT.

Methods: Total 890 subjective responses analysed. 83% males, 17% females. Of these 68% farmers, 11% factory-workers, 18% college-students, 3% jobless-people. Subject evaluation Performa included behavioural aspects, educational parameters, family-cultural-economic influence on efforts to quit. Concurrent substance/drug abuse & tobacco smoking patters additionally added to profile.

Results: 83% smokers using tobacco for > 5 years, 32% for > 3 years & 15% for > 6 months. 90% using > one packet/day. 84% tried to quit tobacco for > three times in last two years. However 23% did succeed in reducing tobacco consumption by 30%. Relapse is very common in age group 20-30 years. Desire to QUIT was 71% in females compared to 39% in males. Reasons for desire to QUIT; [1]54% recurrent health problems [2]12% social-family pressure [3]24% impact of Anti-Tobacco campaigns [4]8% economic reasons. RELAPSE due to; [1]70% withdrawals [2]22% peer pressure [3]8% improper follow-up-counselling. Conclusion: 70% relapse in efforts-to-QUIT due to absence of de-addiction centres/methods & unavailability of nicotine intradermal patches. Absence of counselling still major hurdle in efforts of smoke-free society. Weak motivation [>orr= 92% in chronic smokers] is very common in farmers & students. Shockingly 34% health care set-up personnel failed to quit. 24% did seek help of local physicians but 66% approached traditional faith healers & sooth-sayers for help. Future interventional strategies need material & manpower assistance from centres of developing nations.