Female Smoking Behaviors and Female Smoking Related Social Stigma: Qualitative Research Using Focus Group Discussion

Background: Women who smoke are thought to exhibit different smoking and cessation behaviors compared with men; however, research on this topic is limited.In this study, we assessed the characteristics, concealment of smoking and the related social pressure as experienced by women smokers.Methods: A focus group discussion was conducted with women aged 20-39 years, who were divided into three groups: current smokers (N=8), former smokers (N=8), and non-smokers (N=6).A semi-structured survey was conducted using open-ended questions to allow the participants to freely express their opinions.Data were analyzed using a consensual qualitative research methodology.Results: In total, 4 overarching and distinct domains, 13 subdomains, and 55 key elements emerged.The four domains were the motivation to start smoking; smoking behaviors; stigma related to women smokers and concealment of smoking status; and the experience and awareness of quitting smoking.Results showed that most women started smoking due to pressure from friends, and their extent of smoking was small.Women smokers reported experiencing social pressure related to their smoking behaviors.Conclusion: It is necessary to establish a smoking cessation policy that reflects the characteristics of women smokers by understanding their smoking and cessation behavior and the social pressure they experience.