Socio-spatial inequalities in smoking among young adults: What a 'go-along' study says about local smoking practices

Smoking prevalence in Canada has declined; yet, not among all segments of the population. Residents of high-deprivation neighbourhoods and young adults are over-represented among current smokers. There is a dearth of theoretically informed research focused on better understanding the connection between smoking, social inequalities, and place among young adults. To contribute to this understudied area, we undertook a qualitative study drawing upon the collective lifestyles framework. We conducted walking interviews (go-alongs) with 27 young adults (smokers and non-smokers) living in five diverse urban neighbourhoods in Montreal, Canada. We present the findings as neighbourhood portraits wherein participants' accounts revealed how local smoking practices shaped and were shaped by rules and regulations and the meaning and use of neighbourhood resources. In the discussion we reflect on the opportunities and constraints to smoking with a focus on young adults. We also consider the possible implications for socio-spatial inequalities in smoking and the relationship to tobacco control strategies.