A Qualitative Exploration of Smoking Influences and Quit Attempts among Nondaily Smokers

Objectives: We examined social cognitive constructs in relation to nondaily smoking and cessation-related behaviors in a community sample of adult nondaily smokers (> 24 years of age). Methods: We conducted six focus groups using a semi-structured interview format. Participants were 28 African-American and 24 white nondaily smokers. Results: Participants described a sense of control over their smoking but previous failed quit attempts had negative implications for self-efficacy. Participants perceived themselves as reducing their health risks relative to daily smokers. Potential impediments to quitting include social influences to smoke and skepticism of using smoking cessation medications. Conclusions: Smoking cessation messaging should specifically address nondaily smoking. Targeted health communications may help increase relevance to nondaily smokers and increase treatment utilization.