How do cancer risk perception, benefit perception of quitting, and cancer worry influence quitting intention among current smokers: A study using the 2013 HINTS

We proposed a conceptual model to explain current smokers’ quitting intentions based on theories from cognitive perspectives and theories that recognize the impact of affect. The model was tested by participants of the 2013 Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS 4) who identified themselves as current smokers (N = 481). Structural equation modeling (SEM) analyses were conducted. Findings suggest that intention to quit smoking is directly predicted by benefit perception of quitting, but not by cancer risk perception or cancer worry; cancer worry has a positive influence on both cancer risk perception and benefit perception of quitting; the indirect path from cancer worry to quitting intention through benefit perception of quitting is significant. Theoretical and practical implications of findings were discussed.