Developing A Community-Based Tobacco Control Intervention to Reduce Secondhand Smoke Exposure Among Children and Promote Smoking Cessation Among Household Members in Rural China: a Qualitative Studyecondhand Smoke Exposure Among

Abstract

Background: Little is known about the smoking behaviors and household smoking practices among rural population in developing countries, and among the Chinese rural residents. The purpose of this study is to explore the perception of a tailored health education intervention, smoking hygiene intervention (SHI), to address secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure reduction and promote smoking cessation in rural Chinese households. Method: We conducted three focus group discussions (FGDs) of 18 residents in rural Taizhou. FGDs were audiotaped, transcribed and analyzed thematically. The FGDs guided the tailoring of all intervention materials for use by rural Chinese population in a subsequent randomized controlled trial. Results: Participants considered the proposed SHI intervention to reduce children’s SHS exposure and promote smoking cessation in adults, in general, is appropriate for rural Chinese. Participants provided suggestions on the content and design of the intervention, which are relevant to improve the acceptability and usability of the SHI intervention. These are summarized under three major themes: (1) perceptions about smoking and SHS exposure, (2) perceptions about smoking cessation and SHS exposure reduction intervention, and (3) design considerations (i.e. contents and delivery) of the SHI. Conclusion: This qualitative study in rural Chinese household members provides insights about the need and delivery of a community-based intervention to reduce children’s SHS exposure and promote smoking cessation in the households of rural China. The findings informed the development of a revised SHI model for use by the rural Chinese household members, which is now being evaluated in an ongoing randomized controlled trial.