Smokeless Tobacco Initiation, Use, and Cessation in South Asia: A Qualitative Assessment.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

Smokeless tobacco (ST) is a significant South Asian public health problem. This paper reports a qualitative study of a sample of South Asian ST users.

Methods

Interviews, using a piloted topic guide, with 33 consenting, urban dwelling adult ST users explored their ST initiation, continued use, and cessation attempts. Framework data analysis was used to analyze country specific data before a thematic cross-country synthesis was completed.

Results

Participants reported long-term ST use and high dependency. All reported strong cessation motivation and multiple failed attempts because of ease of purchasing ST, tobacco dependency, and lack of institutional support.

Conclusions

Interventions to support cessation attempts among consumers of South Asian ST

SUBMITTER: Siddiqui F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8521714 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature