Variation in smoking after admission to psychiatric inpatient units and impact of a partial ban on smoking and on smoking-related perceptions

Background: Smoke-related problems are particularly frequent in psychiatry, with additional concerns about iatrogenic effects on smoking in inpatient settings. Aims: To study the impact of a partial smoking ban on psychiatric patients and staff members. Methods: Using a pre- and post-intervention design, comparison of smoke-related characteristics and perceptions permitted changes after the introduction of smoking restrictions in 2002 to be studied. Ninety-one inpatients and 110 staff members participated in 2001 before intervention, and 134 inpatients and 85 staff members participated in 2005. Results: After reinforcement of smoking restrictions, no signifi cant changes in smoking prevalence or severity were observed, but there was a change in attitude for patients, more of whom were considering stopping. Daily cigarette consumption after admission changed signifi cantly between 2001 and 2005. A marked decrease after three days in hospital as compared to the week before entry was observed in 2005 (p = 0.005), whereas in 2001 the trend was towards increase (p = 0.06). Furthermore, although the perception of quantity of smoke decreased (p = 0.0005) for both patients and staff, discomfort related to smoke remained unchanged. Conclusion: The introduction of a partial smoking ban had favourable effects on patients ’ cigarette consumption and attitudes, but more efforts need to be pursued