Factors affecting smoking initiation and cessation among adult smokers in Fiji: A qualitative study

Abstract

INTRODUCTION Smoking as a public health challenge is globally considered the main risk factor of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Knowing factors contributing to smoking commencement and cessation is the necessary step to develop prevention strategies to combat this issue. To date, no study has been conducted in Fiji, therefore this study aimed to explore the reasons adult smokers initiate smoking and cessation in Fiji. METHODS A qualitative study was conducted among 35 current smokers who were interviewed between 1 May and 31 July 2020 in Suva, Fiji. Three health centers were chosen randomly to collect data and purposive sampling was applied to reach study participants. A semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire was used to guide the interviews. The content of in-depth interviews was transcribed and data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis. RESULTS The results of this study showed that most of the participants were male (57%), I-taukei (77%), single (54%), had attained tertiary education level (69%), were of Christian religion (77%), and unemployed (63%). Two main themes were identified including: ‘factors affecting smoking initiation’ and ‘factors affecting smoking cessation’. ‘Peer pressure’, ‘smoking myth’, ‘smoking as a fun’, ‘unpleasant event in life’ and ‘smoking establishes friendships’ were factors affecting initiation of smoking; while ‘knowledge on smoking harms’, ‘financial constraints’, ‘desire to improve health’, ‘constant request from family members’, ‘desire to save time’, ‘religious factors’ and ‘cultural factors’, were factors affecting smoking cessation among smokers. CONCLUSIONS This study highlights the main factors affecting smoking among adult smokers in Fiji. Considering these factors in future health planning will help policy makers and decision makers to develop tailored interventions to combat this health issue.

Experiences with smoking habits and the need for cessation among habitual smokers in Japan: a qualitative study based on semi-structured interviews

“…Thus, it is significant that we were able to interview and describe the need for smoking cessation based on smoking experiences. These points in the present study differ from those in existing qualitative studies with narratives from smokers [31][32][33][34][35]. Further, this need was identified not only toward professionals but also toward their peers and society.…”

“…When chronic symptoms and behavior occur, it is necessary to consider the behavior in the context of the entire life of the parties involved in the process [30]. In recent qualitative studies, individuals who smoked were asked directly about their smoking behavior, socio-cultural and environmental factors influencing smoking [31], perspectives on smoking habits [32], factors affecting smoking initiation and cessation [33], reasons for failure to quit smoking [34], and experiences of attempts to quit smoking [35]. However, the results of each study were based on the cultural background and living environment of the country or region and are expected to differ between countries or regions.…”

Effect of socioeconomic status on smoking cessation behavior in selected African countries: Secondary analysis of Global Adult Tobacco Survey data (2014–2018)

“…A study conducted among Norwegian adults reported that higher education significantly predicts smoking cessation [ 45 ]. Another qualitative enquiry from Fiji reported that knowledge on harms of smoking was among the factors influencing smoking cessation [ 46 ]. Evidence from India indicates that a smoker’s education level is correlated with positive attitude towards smoking cessation and quit attempts [ 41 ].…”

The association between cultural and social occasions and smoking cessation: The case of Saudi Arabia

“…Efforts to stop smoking and successful quitting among tobacco users are also predicted by the motivation to quit, which could be influenced by cultural factors 15 . Studies show that religious reasons have positively spurred university students to stop smoking 16 .…”