Factors associated with smoking cessation among adolescents: A retrospective study in a smoking cessation outpatient clinic

INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to evaluate smoking cessation status and factors associated with cessation among individuals aged ≤20 years who attended a smoking cessation outpatient clinic during the first month of follow-up. METHODS: This was a single-center, descriptive study conducted among adolescents who applied to a Smoking Cessation Outpatient Clinic. Patients' sociodemographic characteristics and smoking histories were recorded, and nicotine dependence was assessed using the Fagerström test for nicotine dependence (FTND). Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, group comparisons using appropriate parametric or nonparametric tests, and multivariable logistic regression. RESULTS: A total of 229 adolescents were included. At one month, the overall cessation rate was 7.9% (n=18). At one month, adolescents who quit smoking had lower daily cigarette consumption and lower nicotine dependence scores. In multivariable analysis, only the FTND score remained independently associated with cessation (AOR=0.807; 95% CI: 0.660-0.987). CONCLUSIONS: Among Turkish adolescents seeking smoking cessation support, lower nicotine dependence was the primary predictor of short-term quitting success. For public health policies, early identification and timely intervention in adolescent smoking are essential to reduce the potential long-term health risks and future healthcare costs, particularly given the increasingly early age of smoking initiation.