The differences in attitudes and beliefs among smokers and ex-smokers regarding the benefits of smoking cessation in Ireland

Introduction: Smoking-related diseases account for almost 5,500 deaths per year in Ireland and cost the Irish economy €1-2 billion per year. Some 50% of all smokers will die of a smoking-related disease, and smokers on average die 10 years younger than non-smokers. The aim of this project was to assess attitudes and beliefs regarding smoking cessation in both smokers and ex-smokers.

Methods: The study took place in Beaumont Hospital, Dublin. Patients who were smokers or ex-smokers were identified from the inpatient wards and respiratory outpatient department (OPD), and interviewed using a standardised questionnaire. Data regarding underlying medical history was acquired from medical records.

Results: A total of 104 patients were included, comprising 50 smokers and 54 ex-smokers. There were no differences in gender or medical history. Ex-smokers were slightly older, with a mean age of 66.5 years compared to 56.9 years in smokers (p=0.0017). Current smokers had a longer smoking history; 39.14 years compared to 32.9 years in ex-smokers (p=0.047). Smokers reported lower expectations regarding the benefits of smoking cessation than the ex-smokers; only 60% believed that there would be a short-term health benefit and only 74% believed that quitting was worthwhile compared to 88.9% and 94.4%, respectively, in the ex-smoking group (p=0.0025/p=0.01).

Conclusion: There is significant variation among smokers and ex-smokers regarding attitudes to smoking cessation; this is despite receiving the same smoking cessation advice and having low Fagerstrom scores.