Background: Smoking is a well‑known public health problem in women as well as men. In
many countries including Iran, there is an increase in tobacco use among women. Exploring
the experience of smoking by educated women in order to develop effective tobacco prevention
programs in these women is necessary. This study aimed to explore the experiences of smoking
among Iranian educated women.
Methods: This study used a method of qualitative content analysis with the deep individual,
semi‑structured interviews on a sample of 14 educated female smokers, selected purposefully.
Data were analyzed using qualitative content analysis with conventional approach while being
collected.
Results: The data analysis led to 16 subcategories which were divided into four main categories:
(1) Personal factors including subcategories of imitation, show‑off and independence, inexperience
and curiosity, personal interest and desire, improved mood, and social defiance; (2) family factors
including smokers in the family, intrafamily conflicts, and family strictures and limitations; (3) social
factors including subcategories of effects of work and school environment, gender equality
symbols, peer pressure, and acceptance among friends; and (4) negative consequences of
smoking including subcategories of a sense of being physically hurt, psychological and emotional
stress, and being looked upon in a negative and judgmental manner.
Conclusions: The findings of this study showed that smoking among Iranian educated women
is a multifactorial problem. Thus, it is necessary to address smoking among educated women in
a holistic approach that focuses on different determinants including personal, family, and social
factors particularly the gender roles and stereotypes.