Motivation for smoking cessation among the Norwegian public.

A questionnaire survey among a representative sample of Norwegians (N = 5,014) showed that 33% (n = 1,639) smoked. About one-third of the cigarette smokers were motivated to quit, and they most frequently wished to be informed about smoking-cessation methods. Participation in a smoking-cessation group was the variable most significantly associated with a general motivation to quit. The Smoking Effects Questionnaire (SEQ) tested smokers' perception of smoking consequences. Two SEQ dimensions significantly affected general motivation. Women tended to emphasize the effect of smoking on physical appearance, whereas men were more concerned about their health.