Full Text Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Citation Map Email this article to a Colleague Similar articles in this journal Similar articles in PubMed Alert me to new issues of the journal Add to My Articles & Searches Download to citation manager Citing Articles via HighWire Citing Articles via Google Scholar Articles by Lucksted, A. Articles by Sembly, J. B. Search for Related Content PubMed Citation Articles by Lucksted, A. Articles by Sembly, J. B. Nicotine Other Psychiatric Rehabilitation

A Focus Group Pilot Study of Tobacco Smoking Among Psychosocial Rehabilitation Clients

OBJECTIVE: The study explored the perceived advantages and disadvantages of tobacco smoking and quitting among clients in psychosocial rehabilitation programs. Deeper understanding of such perceptions may be useful in creating maximally effective cessation and prevention interventions for this population. METHODS: Five focus groups of six to ten persons were formed with a total of 40 clients from two programs. Participants included smokers and nonsmokers—including former smokers and smokers who explicitly were not interested in quitting smoking. The semistructured, researcher-facilitated discussions covered pros and cons of smoking and not smoking, barriers to and facilitators of abstinence, and other issues. Audiotapes of the group discussions were transcribed and analyzed qualitatively. RESULTS: Participants emphasized their reasons for smoking, reasons for quitting or wanting to quit, views on smoking-related health concerns, perceived social costs and benefits of smoking, and strategies for quitting and maintaining abstinence. Many similarities between the focus groups' views and those of the general population were noted, along with some issues that are specific to having a mental illness or attending a psychosocial rehabilitation program, such as coping with psychiatric symptoms and limited access to information, support, and other coping methods. All of these views influenced participants' motivations and perceived readiness to smoke or to abstain, or to struggle between the two alternatives. CONCLUSIONS: Issues and needs that are specific to smokers who use mental health services must be addressed in the development of smoking prevention and cessation interventions in psychosocial rehabilitation and other mental health programs. The importance of messages about smoking that clients receive from program rules, program staff, and other sources is highlighted, as is the possibility that the regulation of affect and stress provided by tobacco use is especially important for people experiencing psychiatric symptoms.

This article has been cited by other articles:

				L. Borras, S. Mohr, P.-Y. Brandt, C. Gillieron, A. Eytan, and P. Huguelet Influence of Spirituality and Religiousness On Smoking Among Patients With Schizophrenia or Schizo-Affective Disorder in Switzerland International Journal of Social Psychiatry, November 1, 2008; 54(6): 539 - 549. [Abstract] [PDF]

				D. R. Jones, C. Macias, P. J. Barreira, W. H. Fisher, W. A. Hargreaves, and C. M. Harding Prevalence, Severity, and Co-occurrence of Chronic Physical Health Problems of Persons With Serious Mental Illness Psychiatr Serv, November 1, 2004; 55(11): 1250 - 1257. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

				N. el-Guebaly, J. Cathcart, S. Currie, D. Brown, and S. Gloster Smoking Cessation Approaches for Persons With Mental Illness or Addictive Disorders Psychiatr Serv, September 1, 2002; 53(9): 1166 - 1170. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Get information about faster international access.

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2000 American Psychiatric Association. All rights reserved.

Home | Search | Current Issue | Past Issues | Subscribe | All APPI Journals | Help | Contact Us