Assessing Ontario's smoking cessation system for young male adult smokers

Background: Ontario men aged 25-29 have the highest prevalence of current smoking at 39%- almost double that of their female counterparts (21%) and of Ontario's general smoking population (20%).

Method: Using a mixed-method approach, we assessed the reach, utilization and influence of Ontario's smoking cessation system with regards to young male smokers (YMS). The study includes: 1. An environmental scan; 2. Interviews with key informants; 3. Street-intercept interviews; 4. Data from a random digit dialing phone survey with Ontario smokers.

Results: Key findings of the study include:

1. YMS smoking patterns and behaviors are different than older male adults. YMS more likely to:

a)smoke fewer cigarettes per day (CPD)

b)have a lower levels of addiction,

c)have six-month quit intentions and

d)less likely to use quit aids, but more likely to be aware of friends as support.

2. There is a need for an integrated and coordinated smoking cessation system in Ontario,

3. There is shortage of tailored programs for YMS in Ontario.

4. The current smoking cessation system reaches less than 3% of YMS, while 17% want to quit in the next 30 days.

5. While YMS with an intention to quit are more likely to become a former smoker at follow-up (6 months later) and more likely to reduce the number of CPD, the quit aid they used had no bearing on their success.

Conclusion: The results from this study point the crucial need to develop cessation strategies that will help YMS successfully quit.