An exploration of the complex interplay of factors influencing the use of tobacco in people with mental health problems

Authors:
Susan Kerr, Christina Knussen and Professor Robert Hunter

Presenter:
Susan Kerr
Reader in Public Health, School of Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK

Abstract
Smoking is 2 – 3 times more common in people with severe mental illness (SMI) than in the general population, with levels being as
high as 70% in people suffering from schizophrenia.

While the need to develop and test specially tailored smoking cessation services for this population has been recognised in the UK, there is limited evidence to inform the content and delivery of appropriate services.

This paper will report findings from a qualitative study which forms part of a programme of research aiming to develop and test interventions designed to provide smoking cessation support for people with SMI. In this developmental phase of the research programme we sought to explore factors that influence the use of tobacco in people with SMI. We also sought to determine the views of people with SMI on factors likely to encourage/support cessation attempts.

Participants were recruited purposively from three NHS Board areas in Scotland (n = 37). The data, which were collected during individual and focus group interviews, were analysed thematically.

The findings will highlight the complex interplay of factors that influence the use of tobacco in this client group. Also, based on these qualitative findings, separate interviews with professionals and a systematic review of the literature, recommendations for the development of tailored smoking cessation services for people with SMI will be made.

Source of funding: National Prevention Research Initiative (NPRI)

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenter
Dr Susan Kerr is a Reader in Public Health in the School of Health at Glasgow Caledonian University. Her research activity is focused on the social and behavioural determinants of health and she has a specific interest in the role that tobacco plays in increasing health inequalities. Susan is the current Chair of the Scottish Tobacco Control Alliance Research Group. She is also a member of the ‘Research and evaluation sub-group of the Ministerial working group on tobacco control.’