[Smoking and smoking cessation among migrants in France: A qualitative study]

Abstract

Introduction: The aim of this study is to identify factors related to smoking and smoking cessation as well as preferences for cessation methods reported by migrants in France.

Methods: Qualitative study using semi-directive interviews with migrants in the Parisian area thematically analyzed using an inductive approach.

Results: Sixteen interviews conducted. The stress and isolation induced by migration favor the increase of tobacco consumption. These two factors, as well as the lack of information on the resources available for quitting smoking, were identified as obstacles to cessation. The main motivations for quitting are the identified or experienced effects of smoking on their health and pressure from family members, especially children. Quitting is essentially a personal strategy centered on the true will to quit. The most popular method identified by the participants as the most effective in helping them to quit, is follow-up or therapy by a health professional combining listening and psychological support.

Discussion: For migrants, smoking is a resource to combat stress that increases during the migration process and upon arrival in the host country and presents a psychosocial dimension for the most isolated individuals. Smoking cessation must be accompanied and must take into account the specificities of this population as well as the expressed need for psychosocial support, as suggested by our results, to be most effective.

Keywords: Consommation de tabac; Migrant health; Migrants; Populations vulnérables; Qualitative research; Recherche qualitative; Santé des migrants; Sevrage tabagique; Smoking cessation; Tobacco use; Vulnerable populations.