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The COVID-19 Pandemic and Smoking Cessation—A Real-Time Data Analysis from the Polish National Quitline

Author

Listed:
  • Paweł Koczkodaj

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Magdalena Cedzyńska

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Irena Przepiórka

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Krzysztof Przewoźniak

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Elwira Gliwska

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
    Department of Food Market and Consumer Research, Institute of Human Nutrition Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences-SGGW, 02-776 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Agata Ciuba

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland
    Department of Social Medicine and Public Health, Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-007 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Joanna Didkowska

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

  • Marta Mańczuk

    (Cancer Epidemiology and Primary Prevention Department, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland)

Abstract

Since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, tobacco research has delivered new evidence on the harmfulness of smoking in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection and the course of the COVID-19 disease. More and more research proves that smoking is an important risk factor contributing to increased risk of mortality among COVID-19 patients. The aim of this study was to assess whether and how the COVID-19 pandemic impacted decisions about quitting smoking. A total of 4072 records of anonymized data were obtained from the Polish National Quitline. Between 15 April 2020 and 31 May 2021, the callers were asked about the COVID-19 pandemic and its influence on their decisions on smoking continuation or cessation. Our results indicate that smokers are very receptive to communication concerning COVID-19 and smoking risk. This phenomenon can possibly be connected to the immediate potential health consequences of smoking and COVID-19 virus infection. Results may indicate that putting emphasis on arguments combined with short-term health consequences of smoking may result in better outcomes in smoking cessation. There is a need for further and constant education on tobacco-related health harm. Our results showed that an irregular and mass communication on health consequences may result in high effectiveness in smoking cessation.

Suggested Citation

  • Paweł Koczkodaj & Magdalena Cedzyńska & Irena Przepiórka & Krzysztof Przewoźniak & Elwira Gliwska & Agata Ciuba & Joanna Didkowska & Marta Mańczuk, 2022. "The COVID-19 Pandemic and Smoking Cessation—A Real-Time Data Analysis from the Polish National Quitline," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(4), pages 1-13, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:4:p:2016-:d:746872
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    References listed on IDEAS

    as
    1. Job, R.F.S., 1988. "Effective and ineffective use of fear in health promotion campaigns," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 78(2), pages 163-167.
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