Breaking the smoking habit in Malta

Abstract

Between 1991 and 1996, under the auspices of the Department of Health Promotion, the author led 14 smoking-cessation clinics in Health Centres in Malta. In their application for attendance at these clinics, smokers were asked to complete a questionnaire on their smoking habits. This study discusses the answers to these 363 questionnaires with regard to knowledge of health effects of smoking (28% did not think they would be much healthier when quitting), nicotine addiction and desire to quit (87% felt dependent ’a lot’ on smoking while 94% believed in quitting with help), and the power of tobacco advertising (50% started smoking before 16 years of age) among this select group of smokers. Recommendations are made on the role of family doctors regarding the education of patients on the health effects of smoking, the provision of understanding and help to would-be quitters, and the lobby for an effective anti-tobacco-policy, including childhood education on tobacco, stronger health warnings, smoke-free public places, advertising bans and increased taxes on tobacco.