Exploration of tobacco-quitting experiences and self-help strategies among former and current tobacco users in India: a qualitative study

Introduction:
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly 8 million people a year. A qualitative study could provide insights into people’s motivations to give up tobacco and deve¬lop health-promotion strategies to reduce tobacco consumption. The aim of the study was to explore tobacco-quitting experiences and self-help strategies among tobacco users in a qualitative study.

Material and methods:
In this research was employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis using an interview guide to record tobacco-quitting experiences with convenience sampling. In this research was employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis using an interview guide to record tobacco-quitting experiences with convenience sampling. The data were collected through In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with participants who were current or former tobacco users. The interviews were conducted in the local language, each lasting around 20-40 min. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis to form the themes and subthemes.

Results:
The experiences of tobacco users were summarised into six themes: 1. Ease of Quitting, 2. Barriers to Quitting, 3. Self-Help Strategies for Quitting Tobacco, 4. Reasons for Relapse, 5. Motivation to Quit, 6. Health Concerns.

Discussion:
Quitting tobacco is typically a complex and gradual process with associated psychosocial aspects. Exploration of these experiences will also provide inputs to Tobacco Control Programs and subsequently curb tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions:
Learning from people’s quitting experiences can help us design effective strategies that consider social, structural and psychological factors affecting quitting and relapse prevention. Professional guidance with a tailored approach based on individuals’ specific circumstances will make quitting more effective and sustainable.