| Summary: | Introduction
Smoking as a public health challenge is globally considered the
main risk factor of many non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Knowing factors
contributing to smoking commencement and cessation is the necessary step to
develop prevention strategies to combat this issue. To date, no study has been
conducted in Fiji, therefore this study aimed to explore the reasons adult smokers
initiate smoking and cessation in Fiji.
Methods
A qualitative study was conducted among 35 current smokers who were
interviewed between 1 May and 31 July 2020 in Suva, Fiji. Three health centers
were chosen randomly to collect data and purposive sampling was applied to
reach study participants. A semi-structured, open-ended questionnaire was used
to guide the interviews. The content of in-depth interviews was transcribed and
data were analyzed using content and thematic analysis.
Results
The results of this study showed that most of the participants were male
(57%), I-taukei (77%), single (54%), had attained tertiary education level (69%),
were of Christian religion (77%), and unemployed (63%). Two main themes were
identified including: ‘factors affecting smoking initiation’ and ‘factors affecting
smoking cessation’. ‘Peer pressure’, ‘smoking myth’, ‘smoking as a fun’, ‘unpleasant
event in life’ and ‘smoking establishes friendships’ were factors affecting initiation
of smoking; while ‘knowledge on smoking harms’, ‘financial constraints’, ‘desire
to improve health’, ‘constant request from family members’, ‘desire to save time’,
‘religious factors’ and ‘cultural factors’, were factors affecting smoking cessation
among smokers.
Conclusions
This study highlights the main factors affecting smoking among adult
smokers in Fiji. Considering these factors in future health planning will help
policy makers and decision makers to develop tailored interventions to combat
this health issue.
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