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Exploring Factors Contributing to the Smoking Behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese Young Smokers during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study

Author

Listed:
  • Katherine-Ka-Wai Lam

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Ka-Yan Ho

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Cynthia-Sau-Ting Wu

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Man-Nok Tong

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Lai-Ngo Tang

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

  • Yim-Wah Mak

    (School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China)

Abstract

COVID-19 has significant impacts on young smokers in their smoking behaviors. This qualitative study summarises the lived experience of young smokers during COVID-19. Moreover, through their lived experience, we aim to understand how the COVID-19 pandemic influence tobacco use behaviours in this population. A purposive sampling of 48 smokers aged between 17–25 years old is individually interviewed for 30 to 45 min. All interviews are transcribed in verbatim and analysed by two researchers separately using Colaizzi’s method of descriptive phenomenology. The results reveal the following six important themes, which could explain the mixed pattern of smoking behaviour changes in young smokers: (1) perceptions of COVID-19 and its association with smoking, (2) more time at home, (3) taking masks off to smoke, (4) the effects of COVID-19 on smokers’ financial status and academic performance, (5) reduced social gatherings, and (6) restricted access to tobacco products. To conclude, this pandemic and the anti-pandemic measures, i.e., mask mandates, stay-at-home and work-from-home orders, and class suspension, result in both new obstacles and new advantages for smoking cessation among young people. More studies should be performed to monitor any transition of tobacco products and the trajectory of use in this population during this pandemic, thus informing public health policy making.

Suggested Citation

  • Katherine-Ka-Wai Lam & Ka-Yan Ho & Cynthia-Sau-Ting Wu & Man-Nok Tong & Lai-Ngo Tang & Yim-Wah Mak, 2022. "Exploring Factors Contributing to the Smoking Behaviour among Hong Kong Chinese Young Smokers during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(7), pages 1-14, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:19:y:2022:i:7:p:4145-:d:784131
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Elders, M.J. & Perry, C.L. & Eriksen, M.P. & Giovino, G.A., 1994. "The report of the surgeon general: Preventing tobacco use among young people," American Journal of Public Health, American Public Health Association, vol. 84(4), pages 543-547.
    5. Laurie Long Kwan Ho & William Ho Cheung Li & Ankie Tan Cheung & Wei Xia & Man Ping Wang & Derek Yee Tak Cheung & Tai Hing Lam, 2020. "Impact of COVID-19 on the Hong Kong Youth Quitline Service and Quitting Behaviors of Its Users," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 17(22), pages 1-8, November.
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    Cited by:

    1. Ka-Yan Ho & Katherine-Ka-Wai Lam & Cynthia-Sau-Ting Wu & Man-Nok Tong & Lai-Ngo Tang & Yim-Wah Mak, 2022. "Exploring Contributing Factors of Solitary Drinking among Hong Kong Chinese Adolescents and Young Adults: A Descriptive Phenomenology," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 19(14), pages 1-12, July.

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