Abstract
Smoking is a risk factor in the development and progression of macrovascular and microvascular complications in diabetes patients. Despite the hazardous effects of tobacco, approximately 28% of type 1 diabetes patients continue to smoke.
This study explored the barriers, attitudes and experiences of tobacco smoking and quitting in adults with type 1 diabetes, and examined patients’ perceptions of existing services to help quit smoking in the UK. The study adopted a qualitative approach using PRIME theory to guide the semi-structured interviews. Twelve current smokers with type 1 diabetes (≥18 years) completed the study between May to June 2016; mean age 33.7 years, diabetes duration 15.7 years and smoking on average 8.2 cigarettes/day. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo10® for analysis using the Framework method.
Most type 1 diabetes smokers reported lack of motivation to stop smoking due to their addiction to cigarettes. Further barriers to quitting included self-image, importance of being normal and habits associated with smoking such as social activities. Most reported poor awareness on the added risk of smoking to diabetes. Nearly all participants had attempted to quit smoking in the past. However, the perceived negative attitude towards nicotine-replacement therapy and pharmacotherapy hindered their willingness to alter their smoking habits. Nonetheless, patients suggested that informative guidance from health professionals and strategies to tackle nicotine cravings could improve quitting attempts.
In conclusion, internal and external factors influence quitting attempts among type 1 diabetes smokers, with particular emphasis on self-image and societal norms. Existing smoking cessation products and services were generally deemed ineffective among this cohort and patients have highlighted the need for better educational support from healthcare services to encourage cessation attempts.
This study explored the barriers, attitudes and experiences of tobacco smoking and quitting in adults with type 1 diabetes, and examined patients’ perceptions of existing services to help quit smoking in the UK. The study adopted a qualitative approach using PRIME theory to guide the semi-structured interviews. Twelve current smokers with type 1 diabetes (≥18 years) completed the study between May to June 2016; mean age 33.7 years, diabetes duration 15.7 years and smoking on average 8.2 cigarettes/day. Audio-recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and imported into NVivo10® for analysis using the Framework method.
Most type 1 diabetes smokers reported lack of motivation to stop smoking due to their addiction to cigarettes. Further barriers to quitting included self-image, importance of being normal and habits associated with smoking such as social activities. Most reported poor awareness on the added risk of smoking to diabetes. Nearly all participants had attempted to quit smoking in the past. However, the perceived negative attitude towards nicotine-replacement therapy and pharmacotherapy hindered their willingness to alter their smoking habits. Nonetheless, patients suggested that informative guidance from health professionals and strategies to tackle nicotine cravings could improve quitting attempts.
In conclusion, internal and external factors influence quitting attempts among type 1 diabetes smokers, with particular emphasis on self-image and societal norms. Existing smoking cessation products and services were generally deemed ineffective among this cohort and patients have highlighted the need for better educational support from healthcare services to encourage cessation attempts.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Title of host publication | American Diabetes Association 77th Scientific Sessions |
| Publication status | Published - 12 Jun 2017 |
| Event | American Diabetes Association : 77th Scientific Sessions - San Diego, California, United States Duration: 9 Jun 2017 → 13 Jun 2017 Conference number: 77 http://www.abstractsonline.com/pp8/#!/4297/presentation/20127 |
Conference
| Conference | American Diabetes Association |
|---|---|
| Abbreviated title | ADA |
| Country/Territory | United States |
| City | California |
| Period | 9/06/2017 → 13/06/2017 |
| Internet address |
