| Summary: | Objectives: The study explored the perceptions of adult smokers with cardiovascular and respiratory diseases regarding cigarette smoking cessation. We also explored factors that may hinder or facilitate smoking cessation process. Design: Qualitative descriptive exploratory design Sample: Purposive sample of 13 adult smokers with cardiovascular or respiratory diseases visiting outpatient cardiac and respiratory clinics at a private tertiary care hospital Measurements: In‐depth, face‐to‐face, and semi‐structured interviews were conducted. The interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim followed by a six steps process of manual thematic analysis of data. Results: Meaningful statements were assigned codes and grouped into categories. Categories were clustered under three themes representing individual factors, socio‐cultural factors, and institutional factors. Conclusions: Smoking cessation is influenced by personal, cultural, as well as social aspects. Institutionally, there is a need to recognize that smoking is a learned behavior; hence, prohibiting public smoking will potentially contribute to non‐smoking behaviors. Although the nature of misconceptions varies, this is imperative to ensure consistency in messaging, programming, and supports led by healthcare professionals.
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