Intention to quit water pipe smoking among Iranian women: a qualitative directed content analysis

Abstract Background Water-pipe smoking is the most common type of tobacco used among Iranian women. The aim of this study was to explain women’s perceptions of their intention for quitting water-pipe smoking based on the theory of planned behavior. Methods The study was a qualitative content analysis which was carried out over 4 months in 2016 in Tehran-Iran. The participants were 26 women ages 18 to 45-years-old who smoked water-pipe and were selected through snowball sampling. The study was performed in hookah cafes, parks, and homes. The data were collected through individual interviews. The interviews were open-ended questions based on the theory of planned behavior. Directed content analysis was used to analyze the data. Results Findings showed that women did not intend to quit water-pipe in that time. Main contributing factors influencing not having intention of cessation were positive attitude and false beliefs toward hookah smoking, as well as having peers and family members who smoked water-pipe or approved its use. Although most females realized the obstacles associated with hookah cessation, they believed that quitting water-pipe smoking was up to them and could control more barriers. Conclusion Social pressure, positive attitude and false beliefs towards hookah smoking, as well as external and internal obstacles diminished women ‘s intention for cessation. Therefore, it is recommended to apply the theory of planned behavior into behavior change interventions in order to increase the intention to quit water-pipe smoking.