Understanding female smoking in urban China: motivations, stigma and shifting social norms-a qualitative focus group study.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Although female smoking prevalence in China remains low, emerging evidence suggests that social acceptance may be increasing, with tobacco marketing increasingly targeting women. This study explored women's smoking behaviours, motivations and societal perceptions toward this in urban China.

Methods

Between May and October 2019, 28 semistructured focus groups were conducted in Beijing, Changsha and Shenzhen with 288 participants: 12 groups of female smokers, 6 of female former smokers, 6 of female never-smokers and 4 of men. Participants were recruited both online and offline, and smoking status was verified with a carbon monoxide monitor. Discussions were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically using dual coding.

Results

Four themes emerged. First, w

SUBMITTER: Xie X 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12863354 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature