BARRIERS TO TREATMENT SEEKING AMONG FEMALE SMOKERS IN RURAL COMMUNITY IN NORTH INDIA ; A QUALITATIVE STUDY

Introduction: According to the Global adult tobacco survey 2016, 14.2% of females used tobacco in India. The use was prevalent in urban and rural areas alike. Studies suggest that females from rural areas are less likely to receive suggestions from primary health workers to quit smoking as well as make fewer cessation attempts. A number of physical, social, and personal barriers have been hypothesised for the poor treatment seeking in female smokers. Method: A Qualitative study was conducted on female smokers from three different villages of Haryana in North India to explore the barriers associated with treatment seeking for smoking cessation. One to one interview was done with 13 females and responses were analysed using theoretical thematic analysis. Results: the sample consisted of middle age females with mild to moderate tobacco dependence. Most of them initiated tobacco as it helped relieve gastritis. Except the older females, others would smoke in privacy. Majority had never made a quit attempt and were unsure about future attempts. The barrier themes reported were craving, poor knowledge about quitting tobacco, distance and poor trust on health services. Conclusions: There exist significant cultural related barriers which prevent female smokers in rural region of north India from availing tobacco cessation services.