Work

Experiences of Tobacco Smoking and Quitting Among Mental Health Consumers

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Rates of smoking remain high in people who have a diagnosis of mental illness. The high prevalence of smoking in this population highlights the need to engage people experiencing mental ill-health in enhancing quit-smoking programs. METHOD: This study examined the experience of tobacco smoking, reasons for and benefits of quitting smoking among people diagnosed with a mental illness. We conducted in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 17 participants who had attempted to quit smoking to gain insights into their experiences and gather recommendations for improved smoking cessation support. RESULTS: Findings indicate a link between smoking and mental health, with consumers using smoking as a way to cope with psychological distress. Often, the reasons for quitting smoking were associated with increased personal recovery. CONCLUSION: This study highlights the role of support and the right timing to maximise consumers' likelihood of quitting smoking. Smoking cessation interventions should be delivered in a recovery-focused way, which enhances self-determination and the personal decision to quit smoking. PATIENT OR CONSUMER CONTRIBUTION: The first author is in a designated lived experience (Consumer) role. The first author conducted the interviews and was explicit regarding their lived experience of mental health challenges and experience as an ex-smoker when engaging with participants.

Source: Health Expectations

DOI: 10.1111/hex.70377