title: Unplanned attempts to quit smoking: a qualitative exploration.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To gain a greater understanding of the process of unplanned attempts to quit smoking and the use of support in such attempts.
  
  
  METHODS
  Qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with 20 smokers and ex-smokers.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-four general practices in Nottinghamshire, UK. Participants Smokers and ex-smokers who reported that their most recent attempt to quit smoking was unplanned.
  
  
  METHODS
  Descriptions of the unplanned quit attempts and reported use of support within these.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Smokers who report making 'unplanned' quit attempts exhibit substantial variation in what they mean by this; many quit attempts reported as 'unplanned' were actually delayed and involved some planning and use of cessation support.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Reported 'unplanned' quit attempts often involve elements of planning and delay for quitters to access to cessation support. It is important, therefore, that smoking cessation services offer flexible and adaptable support which can be used readily by potential quitters.
authors.affiliation: UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. rachael.murray@nottingham.ac.uk
authors.forename: Rachael L
authors.initials: RL
authors.lastname: Murray
authors.forename: Ann
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McNeill
authors.forename: Sarah
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Lewis
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Britton
authors.forename: Tim
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Coleman
mesh_terms: D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D036301:Qualitative Research; D012907:Smoking / Q000523:psychology*; D016540:Smoking Cessation / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology*; D006113:United Kingdom