title: Lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia.
abstract: Studies have shown that smokers rationalize smoking by self-exempting beliefs. This study explored lay beliefs about smoking in Kelantan, Malaysia, using focus groups among outpatients, medical students and staff, and a questionnaire survey of 193 male smokers. In focus groups, patients said they could do something to make smoking safe. When asked, 'Do you think there are any safe ways to smoke?' 132/193 (68%) male smokers described at least one way. The commonest were 'drink water' (69/193, 36%), 'use a filter' (60/193, 31%), 'smoke after food' (27/193, 14%), and 'take sour fruit' (21/193, 11%). At three- or six-month follow-up, numbers agreeing with these beliefs were: for 'drink water' 67/115 (58%), for 'take sour fruit' 61/115 (53%), and for 'smoke after food' 38/115 (33%), with 88/115 (77%) supporting at least one. The main explanations for water were that it cleaned or moistened the lungs or throat. Sour fruit was described as cleaning, and sometimes as 'sharp', able to scrape out the essence of cigarettes. The conclusion is that self-exempting false beliefs about smoking are widespread, and here they probably represent an extension of the traditional humoral system. Anti-smoking campaigns and health workers in smoking cessation services should address these beliefs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Community Medicine, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan, Malaysia. nick.jackson@doctors.org.uk
authors.forename: Alison A
authors.initials: AA
authors.lastname: Jackson
authors.forename: Wan A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Manan
authors.forename: Abdullah S
authors.initials: AS
authors.lastname: Gani
authors.forename: Yvonne H
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Carter
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D002648:Child; D005260:Female; D017144:Focus Groups; D005638:Fruit; D015438:Health Behavior / Q000208:ethnology; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006801:Humans; D008296:Malaysia; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012449:Safety; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D013337:Students, Medical / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D014867:Water
chemical_list: D014867:Water