Implications for clinical practice
This study addresses the important question of whether the approach to quitting smoking in a progressive manner is or is not effective. Our findings also addressed existing gaps in the field by demonstrating that quitting progressively is effective, especially for chronic smokers who lack motivation or find it difficult to quit. A measured application of these results can help achieve a greater level of abstinence from smoking and make important contributions to evidence-based practice. Most importantly, the outcomes of this original study can inform future researchers and policymakers on designing effective smoking cessation interventions and policies for smokers who are reluctant to quit smoking immediately. Thus, the study has important implications for clinical practice and the improvement of public health. In future, we will explore the means to retain smokers in gradual cessation programs as they reduce their frequency of smoking, develop more successful methods to encourage reduction in smoking, and find ways to prevent a perception of failure by participants, which usually causes them abandon their attempts to reduce the number of cigarettes smoked and quit smoking. Finally, in Hong Kong, which is a region with a low prevalence of smoking yet has many hard-core smokers, our results can guide future strategies toward a total ban on tobacco sales.