Variations in smoking after admission to psychiatric inpatient units and impact of a partial smoking ban on smoking and on smoking-related perceptions.

BACKGROUND

Smoke-related problems are particularly frequent in psychiatry, with additional concerns about iatrogenic effects on smoking in inpatient settings.

AIMS

To study the impact of a partial smoking ban on psychiatric patients and staff members.

METHODS

Using a pre- and post-intervention design, comparison of smoke-related characteristics and perceptions permitted changes after the introduction of smoking restrictions in 2002 to be studied. Ninety-one inpatients and 110 staff members participated in 2001 before intervention, and 134 inpatients and 85 staff members participated in 2005.

RESULTS

After reinforcement of smoking restrictions, no significant changes in smoking prevalence or severity were observed, but there was a change in attitude for patients, more of whom were considering stopping. Daily cigarette consumption after admission changed significantly between 2001 and 2005. A marked decrease after three days in hospital as compared to the week before entry was observed in 2005 (p = 0.005), whereas in 2001 the trend was towards increase (p = 0.06). Furthermore, although the perception of quantity of smoke decreased (p = 0.0005) for both patients and staff, discomfort related to smoke remained unchanged.

CONCLUSION

The introduction of a partial smoking ban had favourable effects on patients' cigarette consumption and attitudes, but more efforts need to be pursued.