Cigarette smokers' perceptions of smoking cessation and associated factors in Karachi, Pakistan

Objectives The study explored the perceptions of adult smokers with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases regarding cigarette smoking cessation. We also explored factors that may hinder or facilitate smoking cessation process. Design Qualitative descriptive exploratory design Sample Purposive sample of 13 adult smokers with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases visiting outpatient cardiac and respiratory clinics at a private tertiary care hospital Measurements In-depth, face-to-face, and semi-structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim followed by a six steps process of manual thematic analysis of data. Results Meaningful statements were assigned codes and grouped into categories. Categories were clustered under three themes representing individual factors, socio-cultural factors, and institutional factors. Conclusions Smoking cessation is influenced by personal, cultural, as well as social aspects. Institutionally, there is a need to recognize that smoking is a learned behavior; hence, prohibiting public smoking will potentially contribute to non-smoking behaviors. Although the nature of misconceptions varies, this is imperative to ensure consistency in messaging, programming, and supports led by healthcare professionals.