Intentions to Smoking Cessation in the Time of COVID-19
Intentions to Smoking Cessation in the Time of COVID-19

Evidence from Serbia

Summary/Abstract: In this study, we examine whether the outbreak of pandemic has given incentive to smoking cessation and which factors are associated with such intentions, emphasizing change of economic conditions and smoking habits in the time of COVID-19. Data were collected through a telephone survey among a representative sample of the Serbian adult population aged less than 65 years (N=1,002) from 11 to 19 May 2020. The current smokers reported whether the COVID-19 pandemic had changed their tobacco products consumption, disposable income and intentions to cease smoking. Among the current smokers, 26.3% reported that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered intentions to cease smoking. On the other hand, 42.4% of smokers reported a decrease in income, while 22.7% of smokers reported increased smoking during the COVID-19 pandemic. Logistic regression reveals that occasional smokers are the most likely to stop smoking (OR 4.17; CI: 2.18 - 7.99), while the majority of other factors (socio-demographic, economic, smoking habits) do not influence the odds of smoking cessation. Lack of association between intentions to cease smoking and pandemic-related worsening of economic well-being might result from low cigarette prices in Serbia. Consequently, higher taxation of tobacco products is recommended to policymakers.

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