Table 2 Key themes and concepts elicited in the qualitative study.
Themes | Associated concepts |
|---|---|
Amount of use: Perception that the amount they used their TNP(s) reflected, at least to some degree, their perceived level on dependence on their preferred product(s) | 1. Number of years of use 2. Frequency of use 3. Quantity of use 4. Use more than the participant thought 5. Longest period without use 6. Increased use over time 7. Strength of product |
Cravings: Described as a sense of anxiousness/hunger, once you have something in your head, then the craving keeps going until it is satisfied. It was considered an unpleasant feeling | 1. Have to have/need to have 2. Urgency to use 3. Cravings/curbs cravings 4. Desire to use |
Failure to quit: Trying to quit smoking was considered to be very hard by respondents; once someone had started, it was very hard to stop. Respondents who considered quitting to be difficult were more likely to be those who had already tried and failed rather than those who considered it to be easy but had yet to try quitting | 1. Trying, succeeding, failing 2. Difficult to quit 3. Desire to quit 4. Psychological factors (part of life/identity, do not want to quit) 5. Other factors (withdrawal symptoms, cessation aids felt as non-efficient) |
Reasons for use/non-use: One of the key reasons was to use it as a coping mechanism, either because of stress, boredom, etc | 1. Reduce stress 2. Time for self 3. Increase alertness |
Risky behaviors or use despite negative reasons to use TNPs: An acknowledgment that using a TNP was not good for them, but they continued their use despite the health risks and the social consequences | 1. Negatives related to other people 2. Product issues 3. Risky beliefs 4. Regret |
