Table 2 Categorization of themes, frequency of quotes per subtheme, and sample quotes of experts’ opinions on the facilitators to help people quit smoking cigarettes

Tobacco treatment program characteristics

Structural components

(defined as costs, access, time commitment, intensity of program, group setting)

21

The social support from other…participants, the group feeling and exchange in the group setting are a supporting factor. (Participant #4)

Low costs are associated with higher numbers of participants and are important for all interested smokers. (Participant #1)

Telephone counseling had the advantage of not having to travel for the appointments (Participant #1)

Content components

(defined as behavioral therapies, assessment of tobacco dependence)

8

It is important to teach participants practical, relapse-preventing methods. (Participant #3)

During cessation, solution strategies need to be developed for resolving potentially critical situations…moments when participants would smoke a cigarette…relapse prevention is relevant to the success of an intervention. (Participant #5)

Participant characteristics

Personal empowerment

(defined as self-motivation to quit, positive outlook, experience improved physical health after quitting, resilience)

30

Self-motivation is a crucial factor, especially for treatment initiation. (Participant #1 and #2)

Nicotine addiction knowledge (defined as understanding the multifaceted nature of nicotine addiction)

8

It is important to understand the connections between situation, addictive behavior, and neurochemical processes. (Participant #3)

Noticing physical impairments and complaints can promote motivation to quit smoking. (Participant #4)

Social environment

Positive social support

7

Social and family environment is an important supporting factor. (Participant #8)

Tobacco treatment specialist characteristics

Communication skills

(defined as trusting relationship and respectful interaction)

15

Conversation at eye level is relevant, it is important not to lecture smokers. (Participant #1)

For the intervention leaders it is important to build a foundation of trust, as their communication skills are a crucial component of the counseling. (Participant #1)

The performance of the intervention leader in motivating the participants has a significant impact on the success of the intervention. (Participant #7)