Smoking Behaviour of Asthmatic Patients in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Study

Author:

Teo Stephanie Swee Hong1,Tan Ngiap Chuan2,Ngoh Agnes Soh Heng3,Swah Teck Sin4,Chen Zhaojin5,Tai Bee Choo6

Affiliation:

1. Department of Nursing, SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore

2. Department of Research, SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore

3. SingHealth Polyclinics — Queenstown, Singapore

4. Department of Clinical Services, SingHealth Polyclinics, Singapore

5. Investigational Medicine Unit, National University Health System, Singapore

6. Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, National University of Singapore, Singapore

Abstract

Introduction: One-third of adult asthma patients smoke cigarettes despite smoking being a known trigger of asthma exacerbation. This study aims to describe the behaviour of asthmatic patients who smoke and explore the reasons why they continue to smoke cigarettes even when unwell. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on adult asthma patients at primary care clinics in Singapore. One hundred and seventy-four asthmatic smokers (AS) of four ethnic groups, both genders, aged 21–50 years were recruited. Demographic data and smoking characteristics, reasons for smoking, and experiences during their attempts to quit were collected and analysed using the statistical software STATA version 12. Results: The median age of AS was 30 years. Seventy-five percent were males and mostly Malays (58%). Seventy-one percent had at least secondary education. Eighty-six percent started smoking before 20 years old. Ninety-eight percent smoked less than 10 sticks per day and 51% smoked ≤5 pack-years. Thirty-eight percent smoked within 5 minutes of awakening. AS cited reasons such as stress relief (79%), peer pressure (36%), influence from family members who smoke (40%), think better (35%), staying alert (57%), and relaxed (53%). Although 77% believed smoking worsened their asthma, they continued to smoke. Restlessness (43%), mood swings (27%), difficulties in concentration (25%) and irritability (24%) were common symptoms encountered in those who attempted to quit. About 44% did not refrain from smoking even when they were ill. Conclusion: Adult asthmatic smokers continued cigarette smoking to relieve stress, maintain mental alertness and avoid withdrawal symptoms. Implementing a programme to address smoking behaviour and withdrawal symptoms is paramount towards successful smoking cessation.

Publisher

SAGE Publications

Subject

General Medicine

Cited by 3 articles. 订阅此论文施引文献 订阅此论文施引文献,注册后可以免费订阅5篇论文的施引文献,订阅后可以查看论文全部施引文献

1. Asthmatic patients;Supporting Tobacco Cessation;2021-01

2. Assessment of asthma-prone environment in Karachi, Pakistan using GIS modeling;Journal of the Pakistan Medical Association;2020

3. Family Medicine Revisited;Proceedings of Singapore Healthcare;2014-06

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