Motivation and readiness to quit among midwakh smokers in Qatar, 2022

Background: Midwakh smoking is a non-traditional form of tobacco use that is becoming increasingly prevalent in the Gulf region. Although many users are aware of its health risks, quitting remains challenging. Objectives: This study aimed to assess the motivation to quit and the factors influencing cessation among midwakh smokers in Qatar. Methods: A cross-sectional telephone survey was conducted between January 2022 and July 2022 using data from Qatar’s National Health Information System at Hamad Medical Corporation. Adults aged ≥18 years with a history of midwakh smoking (n=117) who could communicate in Arabic or English were randomly selected and provided informed consent. Descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: Of the 117 participants, 73.5% reported attempting to quit midwakh in the past 12 months, primarily due to health concerns (87.2%) and cost (10.5%). Most quit attempts were unassisted (69.8%), while 14.0% used nicotine replacement therapy, 11.6% received counseling, and 5.8% used telephone support services. Among those who attempted to quit, 59.3% remained abstinent for several months. Current smokers (n=75) had a mean readiness-to-quit score of 7.2 out of 10 (SD=3.7). During healthcare visits, 69.4% were asked about their smoking status, and 47.0% were advised to quit. Subgroup analyses showed that males were older and more often motivated by health concerns, whereas females were younger and less likely to use cessation aids. Qatari participants were more likely to use quitlines, while non-Qataris more frequently reported lifestyle-related reasons for quitting. Conclusion: Health concerns and poor tolerance to midwakh were the primary motivators for quit attempts. Although healthcare providers routinely assessed smoking status, provision of cessation counseling and support was limited. Enhancing brief advice and referrals to cessation services is essential to support quitting among midwakh users.