TY - JOUR
T1 - Preferences and experiences of smokers attending Australian general practices
AU - Liang, Jenifer
AU - Abramson, Michael
AU - Zwar, Nicholas
AU - Russell, Grant
AU - Holland, Anne
AU - Bonevski, Billie
AU - Mahal, Ajay
AU - Phillips, Kirsten
AU - Eustace, Paula
AU - Petrie, Kate
AU - Wilson, Sally
AU - George, Johnson
PY - 2017/9/1
Y1 - 2017/9/1
N2 - Introduction: Around 20% of patients attending general practice are smokers. Information on their preferences and experiences can guide health professionals providing cessation support.Aim: To describe previous quit attempts and smoking cessation preferences of smokers recruited within a cluster randomised controlled trial.Methods: Patients aged ≥40 years, with ≥10 pack year history of smoking, were recruited from 39 general practice clinics across Melbourne, Australia. A structured questionnaire and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test were completed during a patient interview.Results: Of 526 smokers recruited, 491 (93%) smoked daily. The median exhaled CO was 22 ppm (IQR 14-29). 278 (53%) smokers had attempted quitting in the last year. Common pharmacotherapies used were nicotine replacement therapy (155, 58%) and varenicline (84, 30%). Hypnotherapy (44, 16%) was the most popular non-pharmacological option. E-cigarettes were used by 30 (11%). Previous side effects from pharmacotherapies were reported by 146 (28%) smokers. Around half of smokers previously experienced difficulties in quitting, such as irritability/aggression and urges to smoke. Preference for using medications in future quit attempts was stated by 205 (39%) smokers; one-third would consider using e-cigarettes.Conclusion: Non-evidence-based smoking cessation aids are used by smokers in primary care. Health professionals could enhance smoking cessation support in primary care by recommending evidence-based treatments and close monitoring of those experiencing difficulties or side effects during quit attempts.
AB - Introduction: Around 20% of patients attending general practice are smokers. Information on their preferences and experiences can guide health professionals providing cessation support.Aim: To describe previous quit attempts and smoking cessation preferences of smokers recruited within a cluster randomised controlled trial.Methods: Patients aged ≥40 years, with ≥10 pack year history of smoking, were recruited from 39 general practice clinics across Melbourne, Australia. A structured questionnaire and exhaled carbon monoxide (CO) test were completed during a patient interview.Results: Of 526 smokers recruited, 491 (93%) smoked daily. The median exhaled CO was 22 ppm (IQR 14-29). 278 (53%) smokers had attempted quitting in the last year. Common pharmacotherapies used were nicotine replacement therapy (155, 58%) and varenicline (84, 30%). Hypnotherapy (44, 16%) was the most popular non-pharmacological option. E-cigarettes were used by 30 (11%). Previous side effects from pharmacotherapies were reported by 146 (28%) smokers. Around half of smokers previously experienced difficulties in quitting, such as irritability/aggression and urges to smoke. Preference for using medications in future quit attempts was stated by 205 (39%) smokers; one-third would consider using e-cigarettes.Conclusion: Non-evidence-based smoking cessation aids are used by smokers in primary care. Health professionals could enhance smoking cessation support in primary care by recommending evidence-based treatments and close monitoring of those experiencing difficulties or side effects during quit attempts.
UR - https://old.erscongress.org/programme-2017/abstract-submission.html
U2 - 10.1183/1393003.congress-2017.PA2668
DO - 10.1183/1393003.congress-2017.PA2668
M3 - Article
VL - 50
SP - PA2668
JO - Eur Respir J
JF - Eur Respir J
IS - Suppl 61
ER -