Smokers with chronic illness: A qualitative analysis of barriers, motivation to quit and tailored interventions for smoking cessation in smokers with and without COPD
Dr Camille Alexis-Garsee, Dr Hazel Gilbert and Prof Olga van den Akker
Presenter(s)
Dr Camille Alexis-Garsee Senior Lecturer Psychology, Middlesex University, London
Abstract
Background: Smoking cessation is recommended as one of the most important measures in the management of COPD. Though smokers with COPD are less likely to quit than those without impaired lung function, few studies have investigated the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions with this population, and none have used a tailored approach to smoking cessation.
Objectives: To understand the barriers and motivation to quit in smokers with and without COPD and to obtain participants‟ perception of a computer-tailored feedback developed for smoking cessation
Design and setting: Qualitative interviews with 26 smokers recruited from six GP practices in North London.
Method: Thematic analysis was conducted of the interviews
Results: Of the 26 participants, 9 were diagnosed with COPD, although 16 indicated a score of Grade 2 or higher on the MRC Dysponea Scale. Four main themes captured participants' experiences of smoking and quitting and the potential role of tailored interventions in prompting quit attempts.
Conclusions: Findings highlight the difficulties smokers experience when quitting and point to strategies that could be implemented in GP surgeries to support smokers with chronic illness to quit.
Source of funding: International Primary Care Research Group, UK Respiratory Research Foundation, (IPCRG, UKRRF)
