A meta-ethnography of adult smokers' exploring the meanings of tobacco dependency medications adherence behaviours during smoking cessation.

Smoking causes more death and disability in the world than any other avoidable factor. Research on smoker perspectives on tobacco dependence medications is sparse. Tobacco dependency is a unique treatment context with specific adherence issues. Smokers are active decision-makers regarding tobacco dependence medications. Inconsistent adherence to tobacco dependency medication regimens was apparent. Implications for health professionals, healthcare policy and clinical practice guidelines regard the structure of consultations with smoking patients. It is critical for all health professionals to assess the person seeking to stop smoking and foresee the possible causes of non-adherence behaviour. Addressing non-adherence will to lead to more effective health communications and positively contribute to quality of smoking cessation care.