This study was conducted to gain an in-depth understanding of the smoking and smoking cessation experiences of 12 delinquent out-of-school adolescents. Data were collected through focus group interviews, and six key themes were identified using qualitative thematic analysis: (1) Initiation and spread of delinquency through smoking, (2) Formation of group belonging and delinquent identity mediated by smoking, (3) Association between smoking and co-occurring delinquent behaviors, (4) Ineffective control within environments permissive of youth smoking, (5) Self-addictive structure between smoking and psychological stress or anxiety, and (6) Resistance to smoking cessation education outside institutional systems. Based on the findings regarding the smoking and cessation experiences of delinquent out-of-school adolescents, it is necessary to design and implement tailored smoking prevention and cessation programs for this population. Such efforts can ultimately contribute to improving the overall health of out-of-school adolescents in South Korea.
Yun et al. (Wed,) studied this question.