An Investigation of How Spirituality Supports Smoking Cessation

Abstract

Smoking is a worldwide problem with major economic impact. Smoking cessation is difficult to attain, with the majority of smokers desiring to quit smoking. Religiosity has consistently shown some association with decreased smoking levels and increased smoking cessation, but little was known about how spiritual practice or religiosity could be incorporated into smoking cessation interventions. The purpose of this study was to describe the aspects of spirituality that were reported to be helpful by those who said that God or their spirituality supported them in smoking cessation, and to describe other factors that combine with spirituality to accomplish success in smoking cessation.

This study followed an exploratory design, using a qualitative descriptive methodology. Data were generated through taped interviews using open ended questions, focusing on how spirituality and factors other than spirituality contributed to success in smoking cessation. The sample consisted of 19 participants (11 women and 8 men) who had stopped smoking for at least a year. Thirteen of the participants were Seventh-day Adventists at the time of the study. Data were coded using Ethnograph 5.0. The codes were organized into categories and examined for patterns.

Spirituality as "connection" was supported by this study, including the domains of Connection with Self, Connection with God, Connection with Others, and Connection with a Church. Connection with God was the most salient domain. All participants expressed a decision or commitment to stop smoking. Half of the participants had little or no struggle in smoking cessation. God was believed to have provided power above human power. Personal prayer was prominent in connection with God. Connection with others in smoking cessation and medication were most helpful to the three in live-in smoking cessation programs. Connection with a church was increased after smoking cessation. The other factors (besides spirituality) that contributed to success were considered less important and were not unique to this study, including exercise, drinking increased amounts of water, dietary changes and dealing with triggers.