Evaluating smokers’ opinions on smoking and customized cessation in a Thailand University context: A qualitative study

TL;DR

This study explores smokers' views on smoking and cessation services at a Thai university to develop a tailored quitting model.

Contribution

The paper proposes a customized smoking cessation model for universities using the Health Belief Model and qualitative insights.

Findings

Smokers perceive harm to self and others but face barriers like addiction and lack of trust in services.

Customized cessation services such as 24/7 support, apps, and online counseling were suggested by participants.

University-based strategies like quit-smoking communities and reduced smoking areas were recommended.

Abstract

In Thailand, smoking cessation services have been developed to reach smokers who want to quit. However, in universities, smoking cessation services are still limited. This study aimed to identify smokers’ opinions on smoking and customized cessation, and to synthesize a cessation model in the university context using the Health Belief Model.

A qualitative research method was designed. In-depth interviews with semi-structured questions following the Health Belief Model framework were conducted with students, teachers, and supporting staff who were current smokers. The study was conducted from January to March 2022 at a Thai public university comprising schools of health sciences. Purposive sampling and a snowball technique were applied until data saturation was reached. Interview questions were constructed and validated for content. Verbatim transcriptions were used to perform thematic analysis with investigator triangulation.

Forty-three participants were included in this study. Of six main themes and 19 subthemes, most subthemes were consistent between groups except in economic-related themes and customized cessation services. Perceptions of harm showed positive awareness of self-harm and harm to others. Barriers included addiction, being around smokers, social norms, not trusting the counseling services, and having no information about the services. Self-efficacy to quit smoking was found in a few participants. Customized cessation services varied among groups and included convenient services with 24/7 services, services units, generous counselors, communication with an application, online counseling, and medications for cessation. Moreover, the cessation services in a university were mentioned including a quit-smoking community, more activity areas, fewer smoking areas, alliance counselors from schools, and more public relations for cessation units.

The perception and self-awareness of harm ranged from relaxed to being serious. Because of barriers, smoking cessation was hard to achieve, and it was hard to reach smokers. Strategies to support cessation were suggested by providing health education programs, promoting facilities and activities on campus, and designing easily accessible and customized cessation services.

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