Lars Ramström Director, institute for Tobacco Studies, Stockholm, Sweden
Abstract
Background. Among men in Sweden the quit ratio for cigarette smoking is highest in the EU, while the quit ratio for snus use is substantially lower. Quitting is influenced by the strength of motivation to quit and the strength of dependence that hampers quitting. This study aims at examining these two determinants with respect to quitting cigarettes respectively snus.
Methods. In nationally representative surveys in Sweden (FSI/ITS surveys 2003-2006, n=33641) former and current users of cigarettes respectively snus were asked about their desire to quit (Strong, Some, None) and about time to first cigarette/snus after waking up. These data were taken as measures of strength of motivation and dependence.
Results. Motivation scores were significantly lower for exclusive snus users than for exclusive smokers, while dependence scores were about equal. For dual users (previously exclusive smokers) the scores for motivation to quit smoking were slightly higher than for exclusive smokers. Same patterns for men and women.
Conclusions. It appears that the lower quit ratios for snus use than for smoking are due to snus users’ lower motivation to quit, not to higher dependence. Dual use after adding snus use to smoking does not appear to weaken motivation to quit smoking.
