Public Engagement
24% of responses stated they disliked smoking because of the health impact it has. 24% also stated cost of smoking as a dislike.
24% of response stated that liked smoking because it relaxing or calming “I consider it to be a better alternative to some other stress relievers I have used in the past”. Some of these respondents also stated that it gave them a moment to think.
More than 66% of current smokers that have smoked for over 5 years would like to stop smoking.
Number of quit attempts by smoking status
Personal health was the most common reason for attempting a smoking quit for ex-smokers and current smokers, who have attempted a quit in the past.
For ex-smokers, finance and quality of life were joint second reason.
For current smokers, quality of life was the second reason
All respondents who expressed a desire to stop smoking stated that they had previously attempted to stop.
53% of ex-smokers quit after 1 or 2 attempts. 29% quit after 3 to 5 attempts. 12% quit after 6 to 9 attempts. 6% quit after more than 10 attempts.
10% of current have never attempted a quit. 35% have had 1 or 2 quit attempts. 29% have had 3 to 5 attempts. 0% have had 6 to 9 OR 10+ attempts. 25% used words like "too many times" or "loads"
The simplest way to increase quit rates, is to increase the number of people making a quit attempt. Although most quit attempts end in relapse, there is no other way to stop smoking. One way or another, people not giving up trying will eventually lead to a quit.
Within Wiltshire, we offer a free stop smoking service via the hospitals GPs and the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub at Wiltshire Council. Were you aware of this?
51% of all respondants were unaware
50% of ex smokers were unaware of the service
46% of current smokers were unaware of the service.
Support and quits
Of the 8 current smokers who ever accessed free stop smoking support in Wiltshire, all received this by someone within their GP
Of those ex-smokers who ever accessed free stop smoking support in Wiltshire, 28 (74%) received this by their GP. 7 (18%) received support from WHIH. 2 (5%) received support at the hospital.
76% were successful in stopping smoking following support
Vapes (reusable and disposable) were the most popular aid used by both current and ex-smokers (40% total) and nicotine patches were also very popular (18% total). Many also used a combination of aids including behavioural support, Champix and nicotine gum.
The local stop smoking support
Experience of the service
Many respondents stated that they decided to use the service because they wanted the right support, it was easy to use, it was free, they had tried many other options
How would you rate your experience of the Wiltshire Stop smoking service you accessed?
Barriers to accessing a service
What support the public believe should be available for support smokers to quit
25% of all people asked for more counselling or clinics, with a number suggesting a smoking equivalent to Alcoholics Anonymous. This was the most common suggestion for females and second most common suggestion for males
Increased advertising and awareness of support was the 2nd most common suggestion. It was the most common suggestion by males and 3rd most common for females.
47%) gave no suggestions and many think enough support is given and say people need to use more willpower
The impact smoking has on health is the most common concern for current smokers and the majority of current smokers would like to stop smoking. Therefore, ensuring sufficient advice through community presence and advertising is imperative.
There are multiple avenues of free stop smoking support sessions and clinics available to residents of Wiltshire and have been for almost a decade. These aim to give advice and support to those who wish to become smokefree. Group sessions are available online and face to face in Salisbury, but there is not a drop-in group available yet. Evidence for increasing number of clinics that we can use in the LSSS section
Advice and support was the 3rd most common suggestion. It was 2nd most common by females and 3rd by males.
Health Coaches from the Wiltshire Health Improvement Hub also attend numerous events and fairs across the county and communities to give out advice and signposting.
Evidence to increase awareness of LSSS
LINK
Attitudes and beliefs of smoking: ”you feel like a social pariah nowadays”. Opinions on smoking were overwhelmingly negative, including ‘ unpleasant smell’ and ‘dirty’. 25% of responses suggested smoking being anti-social behaviour and no longer being socially acceptable. Current smokers felt judgement was unhelpful.
Attitudes and beliefs of vaping: "Thoroughly recommend on quitting smoking. Concerned that kids are using who never smoked before." 69% of comments on vaping were negative. Overall, negative comments felt that vapes were almost, as equally, or worse than tobacco products and that disposable vapes are another means of making money, A positive theme was that vapes are a good tool for those wishing to stop smoking. Therefore, there is a need for vape myth busting and clear messaging that vapes are for adults to quit smoking, not for never smokers or children.
LINK
95 (74%) of respondents who gave an answer to 'Where else did you go for support?' stated that they had not accessed a stop smoking service either because they felt they didn't need to, or they weren't available when they stopped smoking. Many had used their own will power.
Half of the people who answered “Any barriers to accessing the stop smoking service?” stated that were no barriers. Common barriers Accessibility of appointments and behaviour change
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