Predictors of Adherence to Smoking Cessation Medications among Current and Ex-Smokers in Australia: Findings from a National Cross-Sectional Survey

Amanual Getnet Mersha, Michelle Kennedy, Parivash Eftekhari and Gillian Sandra Gould
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Amanual Getnet Mersha: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Michelle Kennedy: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Parivash Eftekhari: School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
Gillian Sandra Gould: Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Coffs Harbour, NSW 2450, Australia

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-14

Abstract: Background: Adherence to smoking cessation medications (SCMs) improve the rate of successful quitting. This study aimed to evaluate the level of adherence to SCMs and associated factors among smokers and ex-smokers in Australia. Method: A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted in Australia. Descriptive statistics were used to present the overall characteristics of participants. Cross-tabulation with Pearson’s chi-square test was performed to evaluate the possible associations between factors. To explore barriers and facilitators of adherence to SCMs, logistic regressions were conducted. Results: Among 201 participants, 57 (28.4%) were found to be adherent to SCMs. The odds of being adherent were found to be higher among participants with good social support (AOR = 3.28, 95% CI of 2.30–6.27). Participants who did not experience anxiety symptoms had higher odds of being adherent to SCMs as compared to smokers who had anxiety symptoms (AOR = 4.41, 95% CI of 3.64–14.68). Having previous experience of using SCMs improved adherence four-fold (AOR = 3.87, 95% CI of 1.11–13.44). Level of nicotine dependence showed a direct association with adherence (AOR = 3.53, 95% CI of 1.40–8.95). Not relapsing while on the medications improved adherence (AOR = 2.88, 95% CI of 1.21–6.88). Conclusion: In a study of smokers and ex-smokers in Australia, the self-reported level of adherence to SCMs was found to be low. Adherence was associated with social, psychological, and medication-related factors. Smoking cessation interventions are recommended to include strategies that can address medication adherence.

Keywords: adherence; cigarette; quitting; smoking; smoking cessation medications (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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