Readiness to Quit Smoking in Emergency Patients with Respiratory Symptoms
Author Information
Author(s): Bock Beth C, Jennings Ernestine, Becker Bruce M, Partridge Robert, Niaura Raymond S
Primary Institution: Centers for Behavioral and Preventive Medicine, The Miriam Hospital
Hypothesis
What behavioral factors lead emergency medical patients with respiratory symptoms to consider quitting smoking?
Conclusion
Many emergency patients with respiratory symptoms are unaware of the connection between their symptoms and smoking, but those with chronic respiratory illnesses perceive higher risks from smoking.
Supporting Evidence
- Over half of participants had scores indicative of depression.
- Patients with COPD, pneumonia, or asthma perceived higher risks from smoking.
- Direct advice from ED physicians increased patients' perception of health risks from smoking.
Takeaway
This study looked at smokers in the emergency room and found that many want to quit smoking, especially if they have breathing problems. Doctors can help by talking to them about the risks of smoking.
Methodology
665 adult smokers seeking treatment in an ED for respiratory symptoms completed surveys during their visit.
Potential Biases
Participants may have been biased in their self-reports of readiness to quit due to social desirability.
Limitations
The study may not represent all smokers in emergency departments, as it focused on those with respiratory symptoms.
Participant Demographics
Average age was 37.5 years; 42% male, 58% female; 52% non-Hispanic white; 72% had 12 years or less of education.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Confidence Interval
95% CI = 1.19-1.67
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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