Facilitators and Barriers of Treatment-Seeking and Service Improvement Recommendations for Quit Smoking Clinics in a Rural Context: A Qualitative Study

The study examines the barriers and facilitators influencing rural smokers in seeking treatment at quit-smoking clinics using Andersen's Healthcare Utilization Model. It explores predisposing, enabling, and need factors affecting healthcare utilization and provides recommendations for improving quit-smoking clinics services. Qualitative research design was employed. Data were collected through purposive sampling, and in-depth interviews (IDIs) were conducted with eligible informants. Framework analysis was used to analyze data. Fourteen informants (11 referred clients to the quit smoking clinic, 3 voluntary) participated in this study. Framework analysis revealed subthemes related to predisposing factors (social influences, individual perceptions, knowledge of smoking cessation methods) and enabling factors (access to services and medical, distance, employment, waiting times and treatment as well as effectiveness of services). The need factors which have been identified are poor health symptoms due to smoking and greater perceived need for help to quit smoking. Recommendations from informants to enhance smoking cessation clinic services are discussed. The findings of our study emphasize the role of predisposing, enabling, and need factors in shaping treatment-seeking behaviors. Key recommendations include enhancing clinic promotion, improving accessibility, implementing group counseling, strengthening policies on tobacco control, refining treatment approaches, and conducting follow-up studies on former smokers. These insights are valuable for clients, healthcare providers, and policymakers in supporting smoking cessation efforts and advancing public health initiatives.