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What factors are important in smoking cessation and relapse in women from deprived communities? A qualitative study in Southeast England

journal contribution
posted on 2023-06-09, 03:05 authored by Anjum MemonAnjum Memon, J Barber, E Rumsby, S Parker, L Mohebati, Richard De VisserRichard De Visser, S Venables, A Fairhurst, K Lawson, J Sundin
Objectives: Women are relatively more susceptible to smoking-related diseases and find it more difficult to quit; however, little research exists on factors associated with smoking cessation and relapse in women. We examined attitudes towards and perceptions of factors associated with smoking cessation and relapse in women from deprived communities. Study design: Qualitative interview study. Methods: Participants included eleven women, smokers and ex-smokers, from disadvantaged communities in East Sussex, England, who had used the National Health Service (NHS) stop smoking service. Data were collected through a focus group and semi-structured interviews, and subjected to thematic analysis. Results: Participants opined that it is more difficult for women to quit smoking than men. Women felt that post cessation weight gain was inevitable and acted as a barrier to quitting. Hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and greater levels of stress were perceived as obstacles to quitting and reasons for relapse. Conversely, the women cited effects of smoking on physical appearance, oral hygiene and guilt about exposing children to passive smoke as powerful motivators to quit; and highlighted the impact of public health campaigns that focused on these factors. Views diverged on whether quitting with someone close to you is a help or hindrance. Other themes including alcohol intake, daily routine and being in the presence of smokers emerged as situational triggers of relapse. Conclusions: Interventions that address women's concerns related to post cessation weight gain, hormonal fluctuations during the menstrual cycle and stress may aid with smoking cessation and reduce relapse. Public health campaigns should consider the impact of smoking on physical appearance and the effect of passive smoke on children.

History

Publication status

  • Published

File Version

  • Published version

Journal

Public Health

ISSN

0033-3506

Publisher

WB Saunders

Volume

134

Page range

39-45

Department affiliated with

  • Primary Care and Public Health Publications

Full text available

  • No

Peer reviewed?

  • Yes

Legacy Posted Date

2016-09-27

First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date

2016-09-27

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