“Smoking does not define me, I define smoking” - A phenomenological exploration of young urban female smokers' smoking identity and perception towards the indoors smoking ban legislation in Taiwan

Objectives: In January 2009, the indoors smoking ban policy was enforced in Taiwan; yet, tobacco consumption among the young female population in urban areas is growing at a steady pace. The first to use a qualitative approach, the purpose of this study is to explore the social identities of smoking and the female perception towards the ban since the law enforcement to bring forward discussions on tobacco control policy evaluation.

Methods: By using a subjective heuristic phenomenology approach, 12 female smokers aged 20-32 were recruited via purposeful sampling in public cafés and bars in urban Taipei. 30-60 minute in-depth interviews were conducted individually and sessions audio-taped. The researcher remained neutral and used bracketing to allow interviewees' lived experiences to emerge.

Results: Female smokers identify themselves as considerate smokers who respect others and conform to vertical bonds when cultural norms are non-negotiable to change; smoking provides a sense of belongingness and comfort and is an act of conscious preference, which is the reason why smokers pity and joke about the invisible segregation of smokers and non-smokers created by the ban, claiming it tyranny over free will and that second-hand smoke outdoors causes more harm than good; though the interviewees understood the immediate adverse effect on health, freedom of will is placed higher above all health concerns.

Conclusion: Though considerate female smokers conform to the ban, flaws of the indoors smoking ban are numerous to smokers. Policy makers should understand the logic behind smoking indoors and make amendments to the banning law.