Unplanned attempts to quit smoking: a qualitative exploration.
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.
Murray
Rachael L
RL
UK Centre for Tobacco Control Studies, Division of Epidemiology and Public Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK. rachael.murray@nottingham.ac.uk
McNeill
Ann
A
Lewis
Sarah
S
Britton
John
J
Coleman
Tim
T
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