Factors Affecting Stages of Change in Smoking Cessation and Intention to Quit among Asian Students in Korea based on the Transtheoretical Model

Purpose: This study was conducted to investigate selected constructs of the Transtheoretical Model (TTM) of behavior change regarding smoking behavior among Asian students in Korea. Methods: A convenience sample of 240 Chinese and Vietnamese smokers studying in colleges, graduate schools, and language programs across the country completed the Chinese and Vietnamese versions of the short form questionnaire from October 2020 to January 2021, through an online survey. The collected data were analyzed using the SPSS/WIN 25.0 program using descriptive statistics, one-way ANOVA, independent t-test, and logistic regression. Results: Analyses showed that 72.1% of participants were in contemplation and preparation stage. There were significant differences in the process of change, decisional balance, and self-efficacy depending on the stages of change in smoking cessation. Factors influencing smoking cessation intention were consciousness raising (Odds Radio [OR]=1.22, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=1.00~1.15, p=.047), self-reevaluation (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.15~1.70, p=.001), cons of smoking (OR=1.18, 95% CI=1.00~1.39, p=.045), and self-efficacy (OR=1.08, 95% CI=1.00~1.15, p=039). Conclusion: The results provide support on the advantages of including the concepts of consciousness raising, self-reevaluation, negative aspects of smoking (cons), and self-efficacy in intervention program development for smoking cessation.