https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7700-0952
Abstract
Purpose
Most smokers attempt to quit smoking, but few are successful. Data regarding the reasons for this relapse and the course of the relapse process may be helpful for determining efficient methods of smoking cessation. This study aimed to identify the causes of and scenarios associated with smoking relapse after effective smoking cessation.
Patients and Methods
We conducted 20 semi-structured interviews with smokers who had previously unsuccessfully attempted to quit. The data underwent qualitative content analysis.
Results
Three major themes were identified: reasons for smoking relapse; smoking relapse scenarios; and perception of the influence of personal environments, including family and physicians, on refraining from smoking after cessation. The first theme comprised the following subthemes: insufficient willpower and self-discipline, contact with smokers, exposure to stressful situations, lack of family support, weight gain, and insufficient improvement in one’s mental and physical well-being. The second theme contained enjoyable social events, professional life, critical events, and encouragement to smoke from family members. The respondents frequently emphasized the large role of interaction with other smokers.
Conclusion
The predominant factors underlying smoking relapse include insufficient willpower and self-discipline and exposure to stress. The most frequent relapse scenario concerned experiencing negative or positive emotions when interacting with other smokers.
Abbreviations
GP, General Practitioner; COPD, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
Data Sharing Statement
The datasets analyzed during the current study available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.
Ethics Approval and Informed Consent
Ethical approval for this study was granted by the Bioethical Committee of the Collegium Medicum at Nicolaus Copernicus University, Bydgoszcz, Poland (KB 609/2015). Potential participants were provided information regarding the study, and those who decided to participate gave oral informed consent which was recorded at the beginning of the interview. This form of consent was in accordance with the committee’s recommendation. All participants provided informed consent to have their quotes published. Confidentiality and anonymity were assured. This study complies with the Declaration of Helsinki.
Author Contributions
All authors made significant contributions to the work reported, in the conception, study design, execution, acquisition of data, analysis and interpretation, or in all these areas; participated in drafting, revising, and critically reviewing the article; provided final approval of the version to be published; have agreed on the journal to which the article has been submitted; and agree to be accountable for all aspects of the work.
Disclosure
The authors declare no conflicts of interest for this work.