title: Predictors of intentions to quit smoking in Aboriginal tobacco smokers of reproductive age in regional New South Wales (NSW), Australia: quantitative and qualitative findings of a cross-sectional survey.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To assess the predictors of intentions to quit smoking in a community sample of Aboriginal smokers of reproductive age, in whom smoking prevalence is slow to decline.
  
  
  METHODS
  A cross-sectional survey involved 121 Aboriginal smokers, aged 18-45 years from January to May 2014, interviewed at community events on the Mid-North Coast NSW. Qualitative and quantitative data were collected on smoking and quitting attitudes, behaviours and home smoking rules. Perceived efficacy for quitting, and perceived threat from smoking, were uniquely assessed with a validated Risk Behaviour Diagnosis (RBD) Scale.
  
  
  METHODS
  Logistic regression explored the impact of perceived efficacy, perceived threat and consulting previously with a doctor or health professional (HP) on self-reported intentions to quit smoking, controlling for potential confounders, that is, protection responses and fear control responses, home smoking rules, gender and age. Participants' comments regarding smoking and quitting were investigated via inductive analysis, with the assistance of Aboriginal researchers.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two-thirds of smokers intended to quit within 3 months. Perceived efficacy (OR=4.8; 95% CI 1.78 to 12.93) and consulting previously with a doctor/HP about quitting (OR=3.82; 95% CI 1.43 to 10.2) were significant predictors of intentions to quit. 'Smoking is not doing harm right now' was inversely associated with quit intentions (OR=0.25; 95% CI 0.08 to 0.8). Among those who reported making a quit attempt, after consulting with a doctor/HP, 40% (22/60) rated the professional support received as low (0-2/10). Qualitative themes were: the negatives of smoking (ie, disgust, regret, dependence and stigma), health effects and awareness, quitting, denial, 'smoking helps me cope' and social aspects of smoking.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Perceived efficacy and consulting with a doctor/HP about quitting may be important predictors of intentions to quit smoking in Aboriginal smokers of reproductive age. Professional support was generally perceived to be low; thus, it could be improved for these Aboriginal smokers. Aboriginal participants expressed strong sentiments about smoking and quitting.
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia School of Medicine and Public Health, The University of Newcastle, University Drive, Callaghan, New South Wales, Australia.
authors.forename: Gillian Sandra
authors.initials: GS
authors.lastname: Gould
authors.affiliation: College of Public Health, Medical and Veterinary Sciences, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Kerrianne
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Watt
authors.affiliation: Health Behaviour Research Centre, Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London, London, UK.
authors.forename: Andy
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McEwen
authors.affiliation: Indigenous Centre, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Yvonne
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Cadet-James
authors.affiliation: Australian Institute of Tropical Health and Medicine, James Cook University, Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
authors.forename: Alan R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Clough
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice / Q000208:ethnology*; D006801:Humans; D033182:Intention; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology; D020377:Self Efficacy; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000208:ethnology / Q000523:psychology*; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: PREVENTIVE MEDICINE; PUBLIC HEALTH; QUALITATIVE RESEARCH