A qualitative study on attitude towards smoking, quitting and tobacco control policies among current smokers of different socio-economic status

INTRODUCTION: Tobacco consumed as smoke and smokeless forms is an important preventable public health issue projected to be the single largest cause of mortality worldwide. The aim of the study was to qualitatively assess the attitudes towards smoking, quitting and tobacco control policies among current smokers of different socio-economic status. MATERIALS AND METHODS: An in-depth interview for 10 current smokers and a focus group discussion comprising of 10 current smokers was conducted with a guide and moderator which was audio recorded. About 6, 8 and 6 subjects from white collar, blue collar, and black collar employee status participated in the study. Their tobacco consumption and dependence using the Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence scale (FTNDS) was assessed. RESULTS: About 50% of the participants had low; 30% had moderate and 20% had high nicotine dependency. Most of the participants started smoking by peer influence and continued as it made them to socialize. Relapses during their quit attempt was mainly due to work stress. Participants heard about the control of tobacco act but were unsure of the features in it. They perceived that no changes will happen if government bans production and selling of tobacco products. Also anti-tobacco commercials in social media will have no use. Nicotine replacement therapy may help in quitting the habit. CONCLUSION: The study concluded that people in low socio-economic status had high nicotine dependency with inadequate knowledge on tobacco control policies. They strongly believe that an individual's self-restrain only can succeed him in quitting the habit.