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Why some quitters don't go to NHS stop smoking services
Michael Ussher
Abstract
Interventions provided by NHS stop smoking services have been shown to be effective for increasing rates of smoking cessation. However, the majority of smokers attempt to quit without this type of support. Increasing uptake of NHS stop smoking services is likely to increase national rates of smoking cessation. This session will provide an overview of research examining why smokers are reluctant to seek professional help. We will consider external factors (e.g. availability, awareness of services), as well as psychological factors, such as stigma and fear of failure. Discussion will focus on the key barriers to uptake of services, both among the general population of smokers and among 'hard to reach' sub-groups (e.g. pregnant smokers, ethnic minorities). We will address issues relating to both face-to-face support and telephone support. The implications of the above research for devising strategies to encourage smokers to seek treatment will be discussed.
Biography
Dr. Michael Ussher is a Senior Lecturer in Health Psychology at St. George's, University of London. His current research focuses on smoking cessation during pregnancy. He is concerned with developing interventions both for increasing rates of smoking cessation and for increasing uptake of stop smoking services. He has published numerous book chapters and articles on smoking cessation.
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