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Abstract:
This study looks at the association of smoking initiation age and quitting success using data from the NESARC. Results indicate a positive relationship between a late initiation age and cessation success, whereas higher daily cigarette consumptions are significantly associated with reduced likelihoods of quitting cigarettes. Furthermore, the interaction between these variables indicates that the daily consumption level is a stronger predictor of the effect of smoking initiation age on cessation. These findings run contrary to previous research that had placed a strong emphasis on the age of smoking initiation as the main determinant of success in quitting and point to the need for targeted interventions on cigarette consumption to enhance cessation outcomes. Future studies should investigate the mechanisms underlying these associations to further develop public health strategies.