[Reasons for smoking cessation in Spain by gender and age].
OBJECTIVE
To analyze gender- and age-related motivations among smokers wishing to quit.


METHODS
We performed a multicenter cross-sectional study in 1,634 smokers attended by general practitioners and specialized physicians in Spain who, after being explicitly asked about their intention to quit smoking, expressed a desire to do so. Sociodemographic data, history of smoking and motivations for cessation were collected. A descriptive statistical analysis was performed.


RESULTS
The mean age was 45.6 years (SD+/-12.0 years). Fifty-six percent were men. A total of 35.2% had studied beyond high school. The main motivation expressed by 63.9% of men and 81.1% of smokers older than 60 years old was medical advice; 60.7% of women were motivated by disease prevention; 31.5% of smokers aged between 31 and 45 years old wanted to be a good role model for their children and 11.4% of those aged between 18 and 30 were motivated by esthetic reasons.


CONCLUSIONS
Men tend to be motivated by medical advice, while women are motivated by a desire to be a role model for their children, to prevent diseases or improve their appearance. The greater the age, the greater the percentage of patients motivated by medical advice. Middle-aged adults want to be good role models for their children while young patients are motivated by esthetic concerns.
Ramon Torrell
Josep Maria
JM
Servicio de Medicina Preventiva, Hospital Universitari de Bellvitge, L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, Barcelona, España. jmramon@csub.scs.es
Bruguera Cortada
Eugeni
E
Fernández Pinilla
Carmen
C
Sanz de Burgoa
Verónica
V
Ramírez Vázquez
Esther
E
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000886:Anthropometry; D003376:Counseling; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004522:Educational Status; D004954:Esthetics; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D012380:Role; D012737:Sex Factors; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000523:psychology*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013030:Spain; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult