An experimental vignette study to assess stigmatized attitudes towards tobacco smokers in Kuwait

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is the most common method to consume tobacco. Although the prevalence of smoking is on the increase among females, it is still shown to be lower when compared with males, as there is a buildup of stigma towards tobacco smokers, with structural discrimination beginning to emerge. This study explored the effect of gender on stigmatizing attitude and behavior towards tobacco smokers. METHODS: An experimental vignette study design was used to explore the effect of gender on stigmatizing attitudes towards tobacco smokers of 151 students of both genders from Kuwait University. Students were divided into control and experimental groups and were provided with describing vignettes of male (control) and female (experimental) tobacco smokers along with the standard stigmatization questionnaire 1 (SSQ1). Data were analyzed using independent samples t-test, a p-value <0.05 was considered as statistically significant. RESULTS: Female smokers were more stigmatized than male smokers (p=0.007). In social self-interest, more students think that it is socially acceptable for men to smoke than it is for women (p<0.001). In evolutionary self-interest, there was a significant difference between the participants in accepting to marry or to have a relative who is a smoker (p<0.001), indicating disapproval for female smokers. In psychological self-interest, female tobacco smokers were not considered as good parents compared to male tobacco smokers (p=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: The findings of the study indicate the presence of stigmatizing attitudes towards female tobacco smokers in contrast to male tobacco smokers.