Addiction | 2019
Association between snus use over time and smoking cessation in Norwegian smokers.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS\nThe effect of snus (Swedish moist snuff) use over time on smoking cessation has not been clearly established. This study aimed to assess whether there is an association between snus use over the lifespan and smoking cessation in Norway.\n\n\nDESIGN AND SETTING\nYearly national cross-sectional surveys (2007-2017) among Norwegian adults.\n\n\nPARTICIPANTS\nA total of 5353 ever-daily smokers aged 16-79 years, of which 61.1% (n=3268) had quit daily smoking and 16.9% (n=903) were ever snus users.\n\n\nMEASUREMENTS\nRetrospective data on smoking and snus use initiation and smoking cessation. Cox proportional hazard models were applied to estimate the association between time from initiation of snus use and quitting smoking.\n\n\nFINDINGS\nThere was a significant association between snus use and quitting smoking in the five first years after starting using snus (HR=1.92, CI=1.62-2.26) but not thereafter.\n\n\nCONCLUSION\nIn Norway, snus use appears to be associated with a higher likelihood of quitting smoking within the first 5 years of initiation of this use.