A chronological overview of tobacco use among Syrian youth: A qualitative study

Abstract Tobacco products are used by different age groups and pose a risk to public health (Marbin et al., 2021). The reasons for using tobacco products vary, and often are related to the migration experience for migrants. In this research, a qualitative research method was used to determine the reasons for tobacco product use pre-migration and post-migration based on the narratives of young Syrians in Türkiye. Using snowball sampling, in-depth interviews were conducted with 20 young Syrians between November and December 2022, assisted by an interpreter. Employing a thematic analysis, the study benefited from a social ecological approach, taking into account three levels of influence: personal, interpersonal, and environmental, in creating themes. The migration experience, war, social and cultural influences play significant roles in Syrian youth’s tobacco usage during both pre-migration and post-migration periods, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to addressing tobacco use within this population. This research advances understanding of tobacco use among migrants by highlighting how the experiences of migration, war, and social influences contribute to increased tobacco consumption among Syrian youth both before and after migration; and informs policies by emphasizing the importance of comprehensive, culturally informed tobacco control measures and psychosocial support for migrant populations to mitigate tobacco dependency.