5-Year trends in the intention to quit smoking amidst the economic crisis and after recently implemented tobacco control measures in Greece

• National smoking prevalence has decreased by 5% since 2006.
• The intention to quit smoking has increased by 9% since 2006.
• The intention to quit has increased by 17% among high SES and by 14% among low SES.
• Socio-economic and demographic variables did not impact the intention to quit.
• However, in 2011 quit attempts were more likely among smokers of higher SES.

ObjectivesThe objective of the present study was to explore the trends in the intention to quit smoking among adults in Greece between 2006 and 2011, a period characterized by financial instability and newly endorsed tobacco control initiatives.MethodsTrend analysis of 3 representative national and cross-sectional surveys, ‘Hellas Health I’ (2006), “Hellas Health III” (2010) and Hellas Health IV (2011).ResultsSince 2006, the intention to quit smoking has significantly increased among both genders (33.3% [in 2006] to 42.4% [in 2011], p = 0.002), among respondents aged > 54 years (26.9% [in 2006] to 45.1% [in 2011], p = 0.019) and among residents of rural areas (26.4% [in 2006] to 46.7% [in 2011], p = 0.001). Both highest (32.1% [in 2006] to 49.4% [in 2011], p = 0.036) and lowest (31.7% to 46.0%, p = 0.021) socioeconomic (SE) strata showed an increase in the proportion of smokers who intend to quit. However, in 2011, quit attempts were more frequent (35.3%, p = 0.009) in smokers of high socioeconomic status. Moreover, smoking prevalence has significantly decreased (43.1% [in 2006] to 38.1% [in 2011], p = 0.023), mainly among men (52.4% to 45.7%, p = 0.037), respondents of low socioeconomic status (38.9% to 29.4%, p = 0.008) and residents of urban areas (45.2% to 37.9%, p = 0.005).ConclusionsOver the past 5 years and possibly as a combined result of the implemented tobacco control policies and austerity measures, the intention to quit smoking has increased among all SE strata, however actual quit attempts were higher among those less disadvantaged. Further effort should be made to support quit attempts, especially among vulnerable populations.