Young adults' experiences of neighbourhood smoking-related norms and practices: A qualitative study exploring place-based social inequalities in smoking

In this qualitative exploratory study we asked how smoking among young adults relates to the local neighbourhood context to better understand place-based social inequalities in smoking. We used data collected through focus groups with young adults from four economically diverse neighbourhoods in Montreal, Canada. Using the collective lifestyles framework to guide data analysis, we examined within and between neighbourhood social norms, practices, and agency. We found that some smoking-related social norms, practices and agency were particular to neighbourhoods of the same socio-economic status (SES). For example, permissive smoking-related social norms in low-SES neighbourhoods made it difficult to avoid smoking but also reduced local experiences of smoking-related stigma and isolation. In high-SES neighbourhoods, strong anti-smoking norms led to smoking in secret and/or amidst ‘acceptable’ social settings. Findings may inform future investigations and local-level interventions focused on this age group. •Research is lacking on social-spatial inequalities in smoking among young adults.•Need for understanding on how and why these inequalities exist.•We used theoretically informed qualitative methods to explore the phenomenon.•Smoking norms, practices and agency varied based on neighbourhood-level SES.•Results inform the creation of equitable smoking prevention strategies.