# Factors associated with smoking cessation in Chinese psychiatric professionals: A cross-sectional survey

## TL;DR

This study explores factors linked to smoking cessation among Chinese psychiatric professionals, finding that gender, age, education, and burnout levels are significant.

## Contribution

The study provides novel insights into smoking cessation factors specific to Chinese psychiatric professionals.

## Key findings

- Women were more likely to be ex-smokers than men.
- Older age and higher education levels were associated with higher smoking cessation rates.
- Ex-smokers reported lower burnout compared to current smokers.

## Abstract

Healthcare workers are integral to public smoking cessation; however, their own smoking behavior can create a significant obstacle to intervening in patients' cessation efforts. Conversely, their success in quitting can enhance their ability to support patients. Research on smoking behavior, particularly smoking cessation among Chinese psychiatric professionals is limited. This study addresses this gap by examining the factors associated with smoking cessation in this population, providing insights for targeted tobacco control policies.

A cross-sectional survey was conducted, targeting psychiatric professionals including psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses, in 41 tertiary psychiatric hospitals in China. From January to March 2021, a WeChat-based questionnaire was distributed to collect demographic, occupational, and health-behaviors (including smoking) data. Statistical analyses, including the chi-squared test and adjusted binary logistic regression analysis, were conducted to identify the factors associated with smoking cessation.

Among the 12762 psychiatric professionals who participated in the survey, 11104 (87.0%) were non-smokers, 1196 (9.4%) were current smokers, and 462 (3.6%) were ex-smokers. Several factors were found to be associated with smoking cessation. Women had a higher prevalence of ex-smokers than men (AOR=1.88; 95% CI: 1.332–2.666, p<0.001). Compared to East China, the prevalence of ex-smokers among participants in Central and Northeast China was lower. Older age (≥50 years), higher level of education (Master’s degree or higher), and non-drinkers, showed a higher likelihood of being ex-smokers. Notably, compared to current smokers, ex-smokers reported a lower prevalence of burnout (AOR=0.70; 95% CI: 0.552–0.892, p=0.004).

Smoking cessation interventions or health promotion programs should also focus on gender, age, education level, region, alcohol use, and burnout to effectively address smoking cessation within this specific professional group.