EXPLORATION OF TOBACCO-QUITTING EXPERIENCES AND SELF-HELP STRATEGIES AMONG FORMER AND CURRENT TOBACCO USERS IN INDIA: A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: The tobacco epidemic is one of the biggest public health threats the world has ever faced, killing nearly 8 million people a year. A qualitative study could provide insights into people's motivations to give up tobacco and develop health -promotion strategies to reduce tobacco consumption. The aim of the study was to explore tobacco -quitting experiences and self-help strategies among tobacco users in a qualitative study. Material and methods: In this research was employed Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis using an interview guide to record tobacco -quitting experiences with convenience sampling. The data were collected through In -Depth Interviews (IDIs) with participants who were current or former tobacco users. The interviews were conducted in the local language, each lasting around 20-40 min. Data analysis was carried out using thematic analysis to form the themes and subthemes. Results: The experiences of tobacco users were summarised into six themes: 1. Ease of Quitting, 2. Barriers to Quitting, 3. Self -Help Strategies for Quitting Tobacco, 4. Reasons for Relapse, 5. Motivation to Quit, 6. Health Concerns . Discussion: Quitting tobacco is typically a complex and gradual process with associated psychosocial aspects. Exploration of these experiences will also provide inputs to Tobacco Control Programs and subsequently curb tobacco -related morbidity and mortality. Conclusions: Learning from people's quitting experiences can help us design effective strategies that consider social, structural and psychological factors affecting quitting and relapse prevention. Professional guidance with a tailored approach based on individuals' specific circumstances will make quitting more effective and sustainable.