A A Qualitative Inquiry on Smokers’ Perceptions of Smoking Cessation during Covid-19

Article Information

Title: A A Qualitative Inquiry on Smokers’ Perceptions of Smoking Cessation during Covid-19

Authors: Sajid Iqbal, Rubina Barolia, Kiran Zulfiqar, Pammla Petrucka, Jeniefer Anastasi, Faris Farooq Saeed Khan, Naheed Feroz Ali

Journal: Pakistan Journal of Public Health (PJPH)

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
Y	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2023-07-01	2024-09-30
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30
Y	2021-07-01	2022-06-30
Y	2020-07-01	2021-06-30

Publisher: Health Services Academy (HSA), Islamabad

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2022

Volume: 12

Issue: 2

Language: English

DOI: 10.32413/pjph.v12i2.1029

Keywords: COVID-19COVID-19 pandemiccigarette smokingSmoking cessationcardiovascular disease patientsrespiratory disease patientsnurse-led intervention

Abstract

Background: This qualitative exploratory study explores smokers’ perspectives regarding smoking cessation processes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods: Purposive sampling was employed to conduct semi-structured interviews with cigarette smokers visiting cardiac and pulmonary clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan. Thematic analysis was performed to identify themes from the participants’ responses.
Results: Three themes emerged from the thematic analysis. These were smoking cessation facilitators, smoking cessation barriers, and COVID-19 impacts on smoking cessation. Awareness and education, threat of acquiring health problems, religious beliefs and family or support system behave as smoking cessation facilitators. While, role modeling, associating smoking to stress relief, and cigarette dependency were major barriers to smoking cessation or prevention. There were mixed perceptions regarding association of cigarette smoking and COVID-19. However, some of the participants shared feelings of fear for being vulnerable to COVID-19 and its complications.
Conclusion: The findings of this study generated significant recommendations for providing effective and optimal smoking cessation interventions such as not missing the teachable moment for smoking cessation counselling, anti-smoking smoking efforts from religious perspectives, and strict implementation of anti-smoking regulations in the country.

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To explore smokers' perspectives regarding smoking cessation processes amid the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically focusing on factors affecting cessation and the impact of the pandemic on cessation intentions among cardiac and respiratory patients in Karachi, Pakistan.

Methodology

Qualitative exploratory study using purposive sampling to conduct semi-structured interviews with 18 cigarette smokers (17 male, 1 female) visiting cardiac and pulmonary clinics at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, between April 2020 and September 2021. Thematic analysis was performed on interview data, guided by the Trans-Theoretical Model (TTM) of Health Behavior Change.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD
    A["Recruit Participants Cardiac/Pulmonary Clinics"] --> B["Conduct Semi-structured Interviews"];
    B --> C["Transcribe Interviews"];
    C --> D["Perform Thematic Analysis"];
    D --> E["Identify Themes and Categories"];
    E --> F["Interpret Findings based on TTM"];
    F --> G["Formulate Conclusions and Recommendations"];

Discussion

The study highlights that health literacy and socio-cultural norms, including religious attitudes and social expectations, significantly influence smoking behaviors and cessation intentions among cardiac and respiratory patients. Fear associated with health conditions, including COVID-19, can act as a catalyst for quitting. Misunderstandings regarding habit versus addiction and the perceived protective role of smoking against COVID-19 were also noted.

Key Findings

Three main themes emerged: smoking cessation facilitators (awareness/education, perceived threat of health problems, religious beliefs, family support), smoking cessation barriers (role modeling, associating smoking with stress relief, cigarette dependency), and COVID-19 impacts on smoking cessation (mixed perceptions, some fear of vulnerability).

Conclusion

Culturally relevant factors promoting or hindering smoking cessation during the COVID-19 pandemic were identified. Health literacy and socio-cultural norms are crucial influences. The fear of health risks, including COVID-19, presents an opportunity for smoking cessation interventions. Recommendations include increasing public awareness, training healthcare professionals to identify "teachable moments," promoting anti-smoking efforts from religious perspectives, and strictly implementing anti-smoking regulations.

Fact Check

- The study was conducted between April 2020 and September 2021.
- A total of 18 participants were interviewed.
- 17 out of 18 participants were male (94.4%).

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