Demographics and psychosocial determinants of quit intention among oral smokeless tobacco users: an analytical cross-sectional study in Saudi Arabia.

BACKGROUND

Tobacco use remains a significant global public health challenge, with a noticeable increase in the consumption of oral smokeless tobacco (OST) in response to stricter smoking regulations. Despite recognizing the health risks associated with OST, there is limited research on the factors influencing individuals' intention to quit, particularly in Saudi Arabia. The study's aimed to investigate OST behavior and the demographics and psychosocial determinants of the intention to quit among OST users.

METHODS

A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted, utilizing a convenient sample of current OST users. A structured questionnaire was developed informed by the World Health Organization's Global Adult Tobacco Survey, literature review, and experts' consultation. The questionnaire evaluated demographics, tobacco behaviors, perceived control beliefs, subjective norms, and intention to quit. Data were collected through an online platform and subsequently analyzed using SPSS (version 29). Descriptive and inferential statistics were done including multinomial logistic regression to identify which factors significantly predicted the intentions to quit.

RESULTS

A total of 341 OST users participated (mean age: 39.1 years; 58.4% male; 61.5% married). While 46% expressed a positive intention to quit, demographic factors alone were not significant predictors. Key predictors included OST use for over 15 years, past quit attempts, dentist advice, subjective norms, and perceived control. Gender moderated these effects: females receiving quit advice were 4.48 times more likely to intend to quit, while males showed increased quit intention with stronger subjective norms (AOR = 0.547).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings of this study revealed key determinants influencing OST users' intention to quit: the longer duration of OST use, prior attempts, dentist quit advice, perceived control beliefs, and subjective norms. Future research is needed to explore gender differences concerning the effectiveness of dentist's advice and subjective norms.