Heavy smokers: A qualitative analysis of attitudes and beliefs concerning cessation and continued smoking

Abstract

In this qualitative analysis, we conducted intensive interviews of a group of heavy smokers to better understand psychosocial characteristics related to smoking and quitting. A total of 51 heavy smokers were recruited to participate in this study. In-depth interviews lasting 60-90 min explored factors related to smoking and attitudes toward cessation. N'Vivo was used to analyze the data. We modeled a number of factors related to heavy smoking in this population. A comprehensive model appeared to fit the data well. Key factors related to heavy smoking included those that promote smoking, those that influence quitting, perceptions of quitting, and explanations of failure. Along each of these dimensions, clusters of variables, such as the social environment, emotional identity, addiction, and physical health, emerged as being important in understanding the perceptions of heavy smokers when it comes to smoking and quitting. The models add important information to our understanding of heavy smokers. This work indicates that this sample of heavy smokers had many issues around smoking and quitting, including the perceived difficulty of quitting, physical and psychological addictions to smoke, reinforcement for smoking, and a tendency to procrastinate in quitting.