Quitting experiences and preferences for a future quit attempt: a study among inpatient smokers

Abstract

ObjectiveUnderstanding smokers’ quit experiences and their preferences for a future quit attempt may aid in the development of effective cessation treatments. The aims of this study were to measure tobacco use behaviour; previous quit attempts and outcomes; methods used to assist quitting; difficulties experienced during previous attempts; the motives and preferred methods to assist quitting in a future attempt; identify the factors associated with preferences for smoking cessation.DesignFace-to-face interview using a structured questionnaire.SettingInpatient wards of three Australian public hospitals.ParticipantsHospitalised smokers enrolled in a smoking cessation trial.ResultsOf 600 enrolled patients (42.8% participation rate), 64.3% (n=386) had attempted quitting in the previous 12 months. On a scale of 1 (low) to 10 (high), current motivation to quit smoking was high (median 9; IQR 6.5–10), but confidence was modest (median 5; IQR 3–8). Among 386 participants who reported past quit attempts, 69.9% (n=270) had used at least one cessation aid to assist quitting. Nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) was most commonly stated (222, 57.5%), although the majority had used NRT for <4 weeks. Hypnotherapy was the most common (68, 17.6%) non-pharmacological treatment. Over 80% (n=311) experienced withdrawal symptoms; craving and irritability were commonly reported. Most participants (351, 58.5%) believed medications, especially NRT (322, 53.7%), would assist them to quit in the future. History of previous smoking cessation medication use was the only independent predictor of interest in using medications for a future quit attempt.ConclusionsThe majority of smokers had attempted quitting in the previous 12 months; NRT was a popular cessation treatment, although it was not used as recommended by most. This suggests a need for assistance in the selection and optimal use of cessation aids for hospitalised smokers.Trial registration numberAustralian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12612000368831.

Quitting smoking: experiences from the Southwestern region, Saudi Arabia

“…The information, about previous quitting attempts, experiences and preferences could help in guiding the future attempts at quitting and improve chances of successful quitting. This would in turn, ensure efficient use of clinicians' time and limited healthcare resources [9].…”

Tobacco smoking by adult emergency department patients in Australia: a point-prevalence study

“…10,18 A cross-sectional, multicentre study revealed a high level of receptiveness to ED-initiated interventions, but heterogeneity in patient preferences for the type of intervention and style of counselling. 18 NRT was most preferred (54%) followed by linkage to hotlines or outpatient counselling (33-42%).…”

“…One study of inpatients, however, revealed both a high motivation to quit and readiness to change, and a belief in the efficacy of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). 10 Smokers who participated in this large multisite study were typically older, English-speaking, Australian-born males, with hospital admission most commonly because of circulatory disorders. 10 With the exception of inpatients 10 , little is known regarding intervention preferences for patients receiving hospital care.…”

Profile of smokers and the role of dentists in tobacco use cessation: a cross-sectional study in southern Brazil

“…Adapting interventions to match smokers' needs and expectations may improve treatment outcomes. Health professionals should consider the experiences of smokers in past quit attempts -such as difficulties, side effects of smoking cessation medications -and consider their preferences before recommending a cessation therapy [11].…”

“…Quit rates are significantly higher when the individual has support [11,12]. The smoking cessation treatment is a cost-effective intervention whose positive outcomes also include the early detection of oral cancer -which is decisive to the success of treatment -and the opportunity to teach patients how to do an oral selfexamination [13].…”