The experience of receiving smoking cessation services in individuals who smoke cigarettes in Taiwan: A qualitative study

With an associated mortality of 8 million per year, the hazards of smoking make it one of the most concerning public health problems worldwide. To reduce the public health burden, smoking cessation programs have been implemented in various locations, including Taiwan. However, the experience of individuals receiving smoking cessation services remains poorly understood. In this study, we explored first-hand experience, feelings, and expectations of individuals who smoke cigarettes regarding smoking cessation services. The experiences of nine users of smoking cessation services in outpatient departments and pharmacies were qualitatively assessed with focus group interviewing. Six steps of content analysis were used to analyze the data, and member validation was performed to verify the rigor of data analysis. Two major themes were identified: "negative experience from receiving poorly fitting services"and "expectations for better care in the future."Most participants experienced the alienation and mistrust from healthcare providers and expressed dissatisfaction with certain aspects of smoking cessation services, including cessation products, follow-up calls and check-up questionnaires, and smoking cessation education. Mental support with understanding from healthcare providers, more adaptable smoking cessation products and engaging follow-up, recommended approaches education, and loving support from peers, family, and friends are expected for future smoking cessation care. These results might guide policymakers and healthcare providers to improve smoking cessation effectiveness and implement individually tailored interventions.