Exploration of tobacco-quitting experiencesand self-help strategies among former and current tobacco users in India: a qualitative study

Introduction
The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly 8 million people a year. A qualitative study could provide insights into people’s motivations to give up tobacco and deve­lop health-promotion strategies to reduce tobacco consumption. The aim of the study was to explore tobacco-quitting experiences and self-help strategies among tobacco users in a qualitative study.

Material and methods
In this research was employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis using an interview guide to record tobacco-quitting experiences with convenience sampling. The data were collected through In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) with participants who were current or former tobacco users. The interviews were conducted in the local language, each lasting around 20-40 min. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis to form the themes and subthemes.

Results
The experiences of tobacco users were summarised into six themes: 1. Ease of Quitting, 2. Barriers to Quitting, 3. Self-Help Strategies for Quitting Tobacco, 4. Reasons for Relapse, 5. Motivation to Quit, 6. Health Concerns.

Disscussion
Quitting tobacco is typically a complex and gradual process with associated psychosocial aspects. Exploration of these experiences will also provide inputs to Tobacco Control Programs and subsequently curb tobacco-related morbidity and mortality.

Conclusions
Learning from people’s quitting experiences can help us design effective strategies that consider social, structural and psychological factors affecting quitting and relapse prevention. Professional guidance with a tailored approach based on individuals’ specific circumstances will make quitting more effective and sustainable.