Background:
The WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control calls for measures to reduce tobacco dependence, including the accessibility of cessation services. However, information on utilization of cessation services, including behavioral and pharmacotherapy among current smokers, is limited in several countries. We performed a cross-country comparison of quit behavior and use of clinical cessation aids among current smokers in 28 countries.

Methods:
Nationally-representative data for individuals aged ≥15 years were obtained from the 2008-2015 Global Adult Tobacco Survey. Data were analyzed for 28 countries from all six World Health Organization regions. Current smokers were defined as persons who smoked a tobacco product daily or nondaily at the time of the survey. Current smokers were asked if in the past 12 months they had been advised to quit smoking by a healthcare provider, if they had made a quit attempt, and if they had used a cessation aid (i.e., counseling, medications, or quit line). Country-specific point estimates of quit attempts, healthcare provider advice, and use of cessation aids were assessed.

Results:
Among current smokers, the proportion of those who made a quit attempt in the last 12 months ranged from 16.4% (Greece) to 53.9% (Senegal). The proportion who were advised to quit by a healthcare provider ranged from 41.9% (Ukraine) to 88.5% (Greece). Among current smokers who made a quit attempt in the past 12 months, use of any cessation aid ranged from 5.5% (Egypt) to 31.7% (Indonesia).

Conclusions:
Variations in quit attempts and receipt of cessation assistance exist across countries. Opportunities exist for healthcare providers to advise smokers to quit smoking and to enhance the provision of cessation aids.