Smoking among psychiatric nurses: does it hinder tobacco dependence treatment?

J Am Psychiatr Nurses Assoc. 2009 Feb;15(1):59-67. doi: 10.1177/1078390308330638.

Abstract

Background: Data on tobacco dependence treatment for patients with mental illness are limited.

Objective: Describe factors associated with psychiatric nurses' tobacco interventions.

Study design: Survey of 100 psychiatric nurses.

Results: The majority "always/usually" asked (87%), advised (70%), and assessed (74%) tobacco use. A minority (49%) assisted with quit attempts, and arranged (21%) for follow-up. Former (56%, odds ratio [OR] = 0.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.02, 0.88) and current smokers (20%, OR = .08, 95% CI = 0.01, 0.72) were less likely to ask about tobacco use than never smokers.

Conclusions: Efforts are needed to promote tobacco cessation and to support nurses who smoke to quit.