Smoking Cessation and Attempted Cessation among Adults in the United States

Aims: With growing recognition of stagnant rates of attempted cigarette smoking cessation, the current study examined demographic and psychometric characteristics associated with successful and attempted smoking cessation in a nationally representative sample. This additional understanding may help target tobacco cessation treatments toward sub-groups of smokers in order to increase attempts to quit smoking. Design, setting, and participants: Data were used from the 2011 U.S. National Health and Wellness Survey (n = 50,000). Measurements: Current smoking status and demographics, health characteristics, comorbidities, and health behaviors. Findings: In 2011, 18%, 29%, and 52% of U.S. adults were current, former, or never smokers, respectively. Over one quarter (27%) of current smokers were attempting to quit. Current smokers (vs. others) were significantly more likely to be poorer, non-Hispanic White, less educated, ages 45–64, and uninsured, and they had fewer health-conscious behaviors (e.g., influenza vaccination, exercise). Attempting quitters vs. current smokers were significantly less likely to be non-Hispanic White and more likely to be younger, educated, insured, non-obese, with family history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and they had more health-conscious behaviors. Conclusions: Smokers, attempting quitters, and successful quitters differ on characteristics that may be useful for targeting and personalizing interventions aiming to increase cessation attempts, likelihood, and sustainability.