Applying Q-methodology to understand how young adult males in Jordan view their tobacco use

BACKGROUND: Jordan is a low-to-middle income country in the Middle East that reports one of the highest smoking rates among males globally, with 90% of males initiating smoking by the age of 24. However, little is known about the in-depth viewpoints of young males surrounding their smoking initiation and interest in cessation. This study sought to identify the perceptions of young Jordanian adult males who smoke and generate relevant statements that can inform future psychosocial measurement tools and studies involving young male adult smokers in Jordan and the Middle Eastern Region. METHODS: A Q-methodology study design was used. An initial set of statements was developed by reviewing the published literature and then piloted. Each statement was rated based on its clarity and relevance to the experiences of a small group of young Jordanian smokers. Piloting resulted in the refinement of statements. The final Q-sample (Q-statements) was composed of 94 statements related to smoking and cessation perspectives. 35 male smokers completed the Q-sorting exercise. FINDINGS: Three factors were extracted: the in-control viewpoint, the health-conscious viewpoint, and the emotional/affect regulation viewpoint. CONCLUSION: Our findings offer insights regarding smoking initiation and continuation in a group of smokers driving the highest rates of smoking in Jordan.