Types of lay health influencers in tobacco cessation: A qualitative study

Objective: To identify types of health influencers in tobacco cessation based on the frequency and characteristics of brief intervention activities. Methods: Longitudinal qualitative interviews were completed with 28 individuals posttraining. Results: Four individuals were categorized as Rarely Active, 5 as Active With Family and Friends, 9 as Active in the Workplace, and 10 as Proactive in Multiple Settings. Unique motivators, intervention behaviors, and barriers were documented. Some individuals displayed high levels of self-efficacy necessary for expanding the reach of community-based interventions. Conclusion: Training programs need to address the impact of contextual factors on initiating and sustaining intervention activities.