Leveraging process models of self-regulation to understand self-quitting in Scotland

Tobacco is a global public health problem, with a particular prevalence in Scotland. 19% of the Scottish adult population currently smoke, increasing to 32% among the most deprived communities1,2. This prevalence translates into almost 10,000 smoking-related deaths per year3, and a society-wide economic cost of approximately £1.1 billion4. NHS Scotland alone would save ~£13.4 million/year from a 1% reduction in smoking5.

Given the considerable harm caused by tobacco, the Scottish Government aims to reduce smoking rates to 5% by 20346, and the majority of smokers-over 70%-share the ambition to quit1. However, smoking rates have been static since 2013, with slight increases among the most deprived groups1. This persistence of smoking indicates a need for increased understanding of successful smoking cessation.