Introduction:
Smoking rate among Buddhist monks, a group of Thai citizens, is as high as 41.3%, and 24.4% of them are at risk for non-communicable diseases. A research conducted by the Priest Hospital found that among their 59,000 patients, 18,000 of them or approximately 30% smoke cigarettes. Meanwhile, 57.3% of diseases diagnosed in Buddhist monks all over Thailand are caused by smoking e.g. chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, lung cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. Empirical evidence regarding factors related to smoking cessation among Buddhist monks is still limited.

Objectives:
To determine factors related to smoking cessation among Buddhist monks with non-communicable diseases.

Methods:
A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted from April to August 2019 by using self-reported questionnaires. A total of 136 Thai Buddhist monks were purposively recruited for this study. Inclusion criteria included Thai Buddhist monks smoking at least 1 cigarette per day, having at least one non-communicable diseases related to smoking and having received counselling to quit smoking from health professionals. Data were analyzed using Point-biserial correlations and Chi-square.

Results:
Fifty Thai Buddhist monks (36.80%) reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence at 3-month follow-up. About two-thirds of the participants (66.0%) indicated health concern as motivation to quit smoking. Nicotine dependence, self-efficacy for smoking cessation, physical activity, and intention to quit smoking were significantly related to smoking cessation among Buddhist monks with non-communicable diseases. However, education, Dharma education, and depression were not related to smoking cessation among these participants.

Conclusion(s):
Among Thai Buddhist monks, different factors were related to smoking cessation. Population based smoking cessation programs should take these factors into consideration in the design of smoking cessation interventions.