# Sociodemographic, health-related, and external determinants of quit attempts among adult tobacco users: A cross-sectional study using a nationally representative sample in Oman

## TL;DR

This study explores factors influencing quit attempts among tobacco users in Oman, finding that education, age, income, and healthcare advice are significant contributors.

## Contribution

The study identifies specific sociodemographic and health-related factors associated with quit attempts in Oman, emphasizing the role of healthcare advice.

## Key findings

- Higher education, older age, and higher income are associated with increased quit attempts.
- Healthcare advice significantly increases the likelihood of attempting to quit tobacco.
- Seeing health warnings on television also increases quit attempts.

## Abstract

Tobacco use is a global epidemic, with two out of three smokers trying to quit. In Oman, little progress has been made in implementing the WHO FCTC best practice recommendations. This study aims to examine the determinants of quit attempts among tobacco users in Oman.

A cross-sectional study was conducted using secondary data from the STEPS, Oman, 2017. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed initially. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the association between quit advice and quit attempt (the primary outcome of interest), after adjustments for possible confounders.

Quit attempts were significantly higher among tobacco users with higher level of education (AOR=3.35; 95% CI: 1.67–6.72, p<0.0001), older age groups (AOR=1.77; 95% CI 1.00–3.13, p=0.048), and higher income groups (AOR=2.21; 95% CI: 1.24–3.93, p=0.007), compared to their counterparts. After adjusting for possible confounders, receiving advice from a healthcare worker to quit tobacco products was associated with a 3.13 times higher likelihood of attempting to quit (AOR=3.13; 95% CI: 1.46–6.71, p=0.003). Participants who had seen a health warning on television were 2.06 times more likely to attempt to quit compared to those who did not see one (AOR=2.6; 95% CI: 1.02–4.12, p<0.043).

This study indicates a socioeconomic disparity in quit attempts, with higher rates observed among older adults, individuals with higher level of education, employed individuals, and those with higher monthly income. Quit advice provided by healthcare professionals was significantly associated with more quit attempts. These results highlight the importance of national-level coordination and monitoring to enhance the effectiveness of tobacco cessation program as part of comprehensive multi-sectoral tobacco control efforts. Further research is warranted to explore the broader determinants of quit attempts in Oman.