Smoking knowledge and smoking cessation intention according to the stage of change in smoking cessation behavior among smokers in their 20s

Objectives:The study aim was to analyze smoking knowledge and smoking cessation intentions according to the stage of change in smoking cessation behavior among smokers in their 20s.This program was implemented to prepare smoking cessation educational content in order to increase the success rate of smoking cessation.Methods: The analysis included 99 smokers in their 20s who lived in Seoul and Gyeonggi; the study period was February 14-16, 2024.After explaining the study purpose and obtaining consent for participation in the study, an online Google Forms survey was conducted.Results: Smoking cessation intention and smoking knowledge according to the smoking cessation behavior change stage were significantly different depending on the presence of smokers and whether they attempted smoking cessation in the pre-contemplation period (P<0.05).In addition, the intention to quit smoking significantly increased in the pre-contemplation, contemplation, and preparation periods in the smoking cessation behavior change stage (P<0.001).Conclusions: By operating a smoking cessation intervention program for smokers in their 20s, providing correct smoking knowledge and finding ways to increase smoking cessation intention, smokers' behavior can change and they can form a quitting habit.Therefore, we can expect that even middle-aged or older people can quit smoking.