Objective The objectives of this study were to determine the proportion of smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic at a public hospital in northeastern Malaysia who successfully quit smoking and the predictive factors for successfully quitting smoking.

Methods This was a cross-sectional study involving smokers aged more than 18 years old and registered with the clinic from January 1, 2012, to October 31, 2014. Data were obtained with a designed questionnaire that consisted of sociodemographic information, medical history, smoking characteristics, and type of treatment received by smokers. Smokers who quit smoking 6 months after being registered at the quit smoking clinic were considered as successful quitters. Multiple logistic regression was applied to determine the predictive factors for successfully quitting smoking.

Results From a total of 202 respondents, 42.6% [95% confidence interval (CI) 35.8–49.4%] of them successfully quit smoking. Multiple logistic regression showed that the number of cigarettes smoked per day (adjusted odds ratio 2.51, 95% CI 1.17–5.41) and a previous quit attempt (adjusted odds ratio 1.88, 95% CI 1.03–3.44) were significant predictors for successfully quitting smoking.

Conclusion This study shows that the proportion of smokers who successfully quit smoking among smokers registered at the quit smoking clinic was relatively high. A number of cigarettes smoked per day of 20 or fewer and a previous quit attempt significantly predict successful quitting of smoking.

Significance statement Cigarette smoking is one of the risk factors leading to noncommunicable diseases such as cardiovascular and respiratory system diseases and cancer. Quitting smoking is difficult for many people and may involve multiple attempts. A quit smoking clinic is designed to assist smokers with tobacco dependence to quit smoking. There are many factors that contribute to successfully quitting smoking. The present study found that from a total of 202 respondents who attended the clinic, 42.6% of them successfully quit smoking. In addition, the number of cigarettes smoked per day and a previous quit attempt were significant predictors for successfully quitting smoking. These findings should be taken into consideration in interventions for smokers who wish to quit smoking.