Men’s perspectives on smoking cessation in North Derbyshire: A qualitative study

Authors and presenters:
Simon White
Lecturer in Pharmacy Practice, School of Pharmacy, Keele University, UK

Wendy Baird
Director, National Institute for Health Research Design Service for Yorkshire and the Humber, School of Health and Related Research, University of Sheffield, UK

Abstract:
Background: This study aimed to explore hard to reach men’s perspectives in a North Derbyshire District on smoking cessation and how stop smoking services could better support men to quit.

Methods: Following ethical approval, in-depth, audiotaped, qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 16 men aged
45 – 65 who smoked or had recently stopped. Interview topics included perspectives on smoking, stopping smoking and stop smoking services (including how these could better support men who wished to stop smoking). Interviews were transcribed verbatim for analysis.

Findings: Participants who smoked expressed minimal, if any, intention to stop smoking. Perceptions of being able to stop with minimal difficulty and without support appeared common, despite most participants having previously made unsuccessful quit attempts. The motivation
to stop tended to be the onset of health problems and being advised to do so by a health professional. Participants appeared to be aware
of national stop smoking campaigns, although they reported largely ignoring them, but much less aware of the range of local stop smoking services. Few suggestions about better supporting men to stop smoking were made.

Conclusions: Stop smoking service developments may benefit hard to reach men, if barriers to accessing services can be overcome.

Source of funding: Derbyshire County Primary Care Trust

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenters
This study was undertaken whilst Simon was working at the School of Health and Related Research at the University of Sheffield. Both authors are experienced qualitative researchers with a range of public health research interests.