What do the psychiatric patients think about stop smoking?

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the opinion of psychiatric patients about the best time to try to quit smoking, which could help them, and knowledge about the dangers of tobacco. Method: An exploratory study done with 96 smokers hospitalized in psychiatry sector. Interviews with open questions and nicotine dependence test. Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results: The best time to quit smoking divides opinion: when the mental disorder is controlled; when something important happens, and during hospitalization. For some, it is enough just decide to stop, regardless of time. Patients reported encouraging professionals to continue smoking. Although the harmful effects are known, psychological mechanisms (denial/rationalization) interfere on the decision to stop. Conclusion: The treatment of smoking should be integrated with health services and led by a multidisciplinary team, respecting the time of each patient.