“From Cigarettes to Clarity: Insights into an Islamic-Based Smoking Cessation Program for Undergraduate Students”
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Abstract
Introduction: Smoking-related diseases contribute to Malaysia’s huge economic and physiological burden. Despite several smoking cessation interventions in Malaysia, most focus mainly on pharmacotherapy or behavioural therapy, or both leaving the religious aspects behind. Since religiosity plays an important role in regulating one’s health behaviour, it is crucial to integrate religious aspects into smoking cessation intervention programmes. Moreover, smoking cessation programmes rarely target the young adult population, primarily undergraduate university students. The study aims to explore the experiences of undergraduate smokers concerning the Islamic-based smoking cessation programme (ISCP). Methods: This study applied a qualitative approach and a semi-structured interview of the participants (n = 10) to explore their experiences regarding the ISCP. The study population were male students of the foundation studies who were active smokers. Thematic analysis was applied in analysing the semi-structured interview data. Results: Three themes have been identified from the in-depth interviews: 1) strengths of the programme, 2) strategies to quit smoking, and 3) reflection on the smoking cessation barriers. Conclusion: The findings suggest that ISCP is a worthwhile programme among young adults.
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