Document Type

Article

Department

Family Medicine

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Tobacco smoking is a major public health problem. We have studied barriers to smoking cessation among family practice patients.
Methods: It was a questionnaire based survey, conducted at Family Pr actice Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, Pakistan, in July 2003. A trained volunteer administered the questionnaire that included data on demographic profile of the patient and information barriers to smoking cessa tion.Ethical requirement including the administration of written informed consent and the provision of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software was used for data management.
Results: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, of which 96 (96%) were males. The mean age was 37.4 years. Fifty three (53%) of the respondents had graduate education. Fifty two (52%) respondents wanted to give up smoking while fifty five (55%) had tried to do so in the past. Ninety one (91%) respondents give up smoking during the fasting month of Ramadan. Craving for smoking, fear of inability to cope with stress and an increase in irritability were reported by seventy four (30%),forty six (19%) and forty two 17%) respondents respectively.
Conclusions: We recommend further research and debate on barriers to smoking cessation

Publication (Name of Journal)

Middle East Journal of Family Medicine

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