[Study of characteristics of experience in successful smoking cessation among middle-aged male workers in Japan].

OBJECTIVE: To clarify the characteristics of the experience leading to successful smoking cessation and to examine the nature of smoking cessation support to capture these characteristics. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted for 30-60 minutes with 14 middle-aged male workers, who smoked an average of five or more cigarettes per day, and had currently quit smoking for more than six months without any treatment. Questionnaire items included the reasons for attempting to quit smoking, the methods used, changes in feelings and situations during the smoking cessation effort, past experience of failure, and current notions. To extract labels, subcategories, categories, and core categories, a verbatim record was made and analyzed qualitatively and inductively. RESULTS: Overall, 683 labels, 117 subcategories, 32 categories, and 9 core categories were extracted. The core categories were indicated by 【 】 and the categories by ≪ ≫. The participants expressed 【hesitation about the challenge of quitting smoking】 and 【skepticism about remaining a smoker】 owing to changes in the society surrounding smokers, and were 【preparing to face a difficult challenge】. After commencing the challenge, the smokers were 【able to achieve success in quitting smoking】 as they continued to 【try and find ways to quit smoking that suited them】 and go through the 【battle against the urge to smoke using "my energy as a shield"】 in the midst of 【pain associated with withdrawal from cigarettes】. They were able to 【establish a way of life as a successful nonsmoker】 by continuing to quit smoking, while simultaneously experiencing 【the confusion encountered after smoking cessation】. Categories indicating relationships with others, such as 【avoiding negative images due to smoking】, 【 protecting one's pride against others】, and 【experiencing pleasure at being recognized by others】 were extracted. CONCLUSION: The results showed that 【skepticism about remaining a smoker】 was seen as a turning point in the challenge of quitting smoking. Taking an approach that leads to this feeling is important for smokers. After quitting smoking, continuous follow-up is believed to be necessary to reduce 【the confusion encountered after smoking cessation】 and continue to 【establish a way of life as a successful nonsmoker】. This study revealed that "public self-consciousness" leads to behavioral changes toward smoking cessation, suggesting the possibility of new findings.