Tobacco smoking behaviours, nicotine dependence and interest in quitting: a survey of Sydney medically supervised injecting centre clients

Introduction and Aims: Among people who inject drugs, the rate of smoking exceeds 90% indicating a clear need for intervention. The Medically Supervised Injecting Centre (MSIC) is a potential setting to address tobacco smoking among people who inject drugs. The aim of this study is to examine MSIC clients tobacco smoking-related behaviours. Design and Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted. Eligible individuals were current MSIC clients aged ≥18 years, self-reported tobacco smoker, satisfactory English comprehension and able to provide informed consent. Results: Of the 214 eligible individuals, 202 consented to participate (94%); 200 (99%) were daily smokers who were moderately to heavily nicotine dependent (n = 156, 77%). Most (n = 186, 83%) had made at least one quit attempt in their lifetime. Previous quit attempts were largely unaided relying mostly on will power (n = 52,70%).The majority (n = 138, 68%) indicated that they would like to quit smoking and would like to receive access to smoking cessation strategies while at a MSIC. Discussion and Conclusions: MSIC clients are highly nicotine dependent, interested in quitting smoking and would like their smoking to be addressed. Implications for Practice or Policy: This study will provide novel information to shape program development for smoking cessation care in MSICs. Implications for Translational Research: This study is a pilot for a larger organisational change intervention aimed at increasing rates of smoking cessation care delivery in Australian drug and alcohol treatment centres and increasing smoking cessation among clients.