Progression towards smoking cessation: Qualitative analysis of successful, unsuccessful, and never quitters. (4th March 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tombor, Ildiko; Vangeli, Eleni; West, Robert; Shahab, Lion
• Is Part Of: Journal of substance use. Volume 23:Number 2(2018)
• Page Start: 214
• Page End: 222
• Publication Date: 2018-03-04
• Subjects: Typology -- process of smoking cessation -- qualitative; Substance abuse -- Periodicals; Medication abuse -- Periodicals; 362.2905
• DOI: 10.1080/14659891.2017.1378746
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1465-9891

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Background: Understanding how people transition between phases of not making a quit attempt to stopping smoking successfully is important in order to optimize interventions. This study aimed to explore differences in attitudes towards smoking and quitting among smokers and ex-smokers. Methods: Adult (age 18 and over) successful (n = 8), unsuccessful (n = 8) and never quitters (n = 7) were recruited through stop-smoking services in England. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and data were analysed using framework analysis. Results: Seven themes (starting to smoke, positive appraisal of smoking, responsibility for past/current smoking, negative effects of smoking, reasons to quit, process of quitting, and identity) were identified in all groups. Sub-group differences were explored and used to derive six typologies with descriptive characteristics: committed smokers, aware smokers, forced attempters, struggling attempters, pragmatic ex-smokers, and committed non-smokers. Using these typologies and the smallest number of differentiating factors between them (awareness of negative effects, motivation to stop and acceptance of responsibility), a parsimonious model of progression towards smoking cessation was developed. Conclusions: Awareness of negative effects, motivation and, crucially, a sense of commitment for taking responsibility to take actions towards behavior change may be important for whether smokers attempt to quit and progress to a successful quit attempt.