Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Public Health and Surveillance
Date Submitted: Mar 18, 2025
Date Accepted: Feb 24, 2026
Social Networks and Their Influence on Unassisted Smoking Cessation Choice: Cross-sectional Study in Six Cities in China
ABSTRACT
Background:
Many countries, including China, have implemented nationwide smoking cessation programs in accordance with Article 14 of the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC). However, utilization of assisted smoking cessation services remains low, while unassisted smoking cessation (USC) methods are widely preferred. Studies show that up to 93.1% of successful quitters rely on USC, despite varying success rates. However, the nature of USC among smokers remains poorly understood, underscoring the need for further research and more comprehensive cessation interventions.
Objective:
This study will examine influence of social network on unassisted smoking cessation choice (USC)
Methods:
A cross-sectional multistage sampling design was utilized to interview subjects from 6 selected cities in China. A standardized questionnaire was utilized to obtain information on sociodemographic characteristics, social network, and USC choice. Multilevel logistic regression models were used to examine the association between social network and USC choice.
Results:
The study identified 2,852 smokers, of whom 1,647 had attempted to quit or had quit. Among them, 91.6% (95% CI: 90.9%, 97.5%) reported quitting without assistance, and 42.1% (95% CI: 32.4%, 61.3%) achieved abstinence among those who used USC methods. Multivariate logistic regression analysis found that while the higher social network was not significantly associated with USC use, both the Ordinary social network and the lower social network were significantly negatively associated with the adoption of USC. The odds ratios (ORs) were 0.23 (95% CI: 0.10, 0.80) for the Ordinary social network, 0.22 (95% CI: 0.07, 0.60) for the Ordinary social network, and 0.32 (95% CI: 0.23, 0.45) for the lower social network.
Conclusions:
This study should help highlight the significance of USC and its role in reducing smoking prevalence in the Chinese population. This is an important consideration when determining tobacco control policy and when selecting interventions to reduce smoking prevalence. Clinical Trial: N/A
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