RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: Alcohol and tobacco are often used together. Studies have shown that some biological factors contribute to the concurrent use of alcohol and nicotine. There have been comparatively few studies that document the concurrent prevalence and correlates of alcohol and tobacco use among adults. A better understanding of the smokers who also drink is needed to help them to quit smoking. METHODS: A retrospective case review study on smokers who voluntarily joined our service in 2014-2017 was conducted. Characteristics of tobacco users only, and alcohol and tobacco co-users were reviewed. The quit rate of smoking related to alcohol use was analyzed. Participants were contacted by phone at week 26 and 52 to ascertain smoking status and abstinence. RESULTS: There were 4602 alcohol and tobacco co-users and 2732 tobacco only users. Co-users had higher education level and better income than tobacco only users. In all, 52.24% of co-users were aged 21-40 years. For the alcohol users, their mean AUDIT score was only 6.17 (SD: 5.67). Multivariate analysis showed that age and gender were associated with co-use while high personal income had lower odds of co-use. Quit rate decreased as the AUDIT score increased. Those who had binge drinking more than once a month had lower quit rate compared with binge drinking less than once a month at week 26 (34.2% vs 43.19%, p<0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: Alcohol and tobacco co-users should acknowledge alcohol-tobacco interactions to reduce alcohol use and prevent smoking relapse. Healthcare providers should screen for alcohol use in smoking cessation interventions.
RESUMO
INTRODUCTION: People with psychotic disorders are associated with high prevalence of cigarette smoking and prevalence rates. Studies show that many smokers with psychotic disorders would like to stop smoking, yet the abstinence rate among them is low. Despite this significant public health problem, few studies have examined the characteristics of this group of smokers and the predictors of smoking cessation. METHODS: This is a retrospective chart review study. Case records of smokers who attended our smoking cessation clinic with and without psychotic disorders were reviewed. The outcome measure was self-reported 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate at week 26. The basic demographic and biosocial characteristics of these smokers were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 3671 case records were reviewed and 155 smokers with psychosis were identified. The independent predictors of smoking abstinence at week 26 were to improve performance in exercise and sports, greater confidence of quitting, and greater number of counselling sessions. The 7-day point prevalence abstinence rate was 22.6% at 26 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: This study has demonstrated that many smokers with psychosis are able to quit smoking even with NRT and counselling and without use of oral medications. Health professionals need to pay greater attention to tobacco use by individuals with mental disorders. Every effort should be given to enhance their motivation, build up their confidence and to provide adequate counselling sessions.
