Publication: Psychiatric patients and smoking bans - how do they feel about it?

In the present study, we examined the views and experiences of patients admitted to an acute psychiatry unit before and after the implementation of a totally smoke-free policy. Forty-six inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views before the smoking ban. Another 52 inpatients completed a questionnaire assessing their views and experiences after the smoking ban. Before the totally smoke-free policy, 69.6% smoked, with 67.7% smoking more when admitted to the psychiatry ward. Before the smoking ban, 54.4% reported that the totally smoke-free policy would be ‘negative’ or ‘very negative,’ and 30.5% said it would be ‘positive’ or ‘very positive.’


After the totally smoke-free policy, 57.7% smoked heavily before hospital (mean cigarettes/day?=?24.9), with consumption dramatically reducing following admission to a totally smoke-free psychiatric unit (mean cigarettes/day?=?8.3). 36.5% reported that it was ‘negative’ or ‘very negative,’ and 50% reported that it was ‘positive’ or ‘very positive.’ Overall, inpatients reported improved acceptance of the policy following implementation. Inpatients stated that the most difficult thing about the smoking ban was experiencing increased negative emotions, while the most positive aspect was the improved physical environment of the ward. Inpatients who smoke must be appropriately supported using a range of strategies, and in the present study, we suggest relevant clinical implications.

Reference: Filia SL1, Gurvich CT1, Horvat A2, Shelton CL2, Katona LJ2, Baker AL3, Stafrace S2, Keppich-Arnold S2, Kulkarni J1. Inpatient views and experiences before and after implementing a totally smoke-free policy in the acute psychiatry hospital setting. International Journal of Mental Health Nursing Volume 24, Issue 4, pages 350–359, August 2015 DOI: 10.1111/inm.12123