Women find it harder to quit smoking than men, with the first day without cigarettes being the biggest challenge for women, according to a study by researchers at Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health.
The study was conducted in 12 low- and middle-income countries, where about 60 percent of the world’s smokers live.
The first day is one of the most important indicators of long-term smoking cessation, and therefore the results are extremely important, American experts explain.
The study also shows that higher cigarette warning labels on boxes reduce women’s chances of a one-day return to vice.
“A successful first day without a cigarette is one of the most important indicators of long-term smoking cessation. However, little is known about why this period is more difficult for women than for men,” said Dr. Joao Mauricio Cascaldeli-Maya.
It is assumed that this may be due to the so-called. withdrawal syndrome, which usually occurs on the first day and is considered the main reason for the return of smokers to their habit, especially women. According to the researchers, they report more symptoms of the syndrome than men.
It is also more difficult for women to quit smoking for a long time.
The reasons why both sexes give up or return to a bad habit are also different, the study shows.
Women, for example, are more likely to smoke a cigarette again because they want to lose weight. Health problems may also prompt them to try to quit smoking, while men do so less frequently. Pregnancy is also a strong motive for women to quit smoking.
So far, little is known about gender differences in the early stages of smoking cessation, especially in low- and middle-income countries, the researchers say.
They reviewed data from the Global Adult Smoking Survey (2008-2012), analyzing in detail the results from Bangladesh, Brazil, China, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Mexico, Russia, Thailand, Turkey, Ukraine, and Viet Nam, reporting on smokers, one or more attempts to quit smoking within twelve months. The final analysis is based on a total sample of 16,576 people.
Confessions of violation of the decision to quit smoking in the early days range from 3 to 14 percent. There are different rates for women who report at least one withdrawal attempt, ranging from just over one percent in Egypt to 43 percent in Brazil.
It turns out that warning labels on cigarette packs have a stronger effect on women. Health warnings on packaging have been shown to be effective in reducing smoking by promoting a better understanding of the negative effects of cigarettes.