Tobacco smoking among patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system

Introduction: Tobacco smoking is considered to be the third most common cause of diseases of the cardiovascular system. The aim of the study was evaluate the level of tobacco dependence, the degree of motivation to quit smoking, and stress among patients with diseases of the cardiovascular system.

Material and methods: Surveys were conducted among 100 patients hospitalised in the Clinical Department of Cardiac and Vascular Diseases in John Paul II Specialist Hospital in Cracow. The methods used in this study were as follows: The Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence (FTND), the N. Schneider motivation test, the Cohen Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), and a self-constructed questionnaire.

Results: The average score in the Fagerström test was 5.80, the average score in the Schneider motivation test was 7.84, and the average score in PSS was 20.35. A low degree of nicotine dependence was recognised in 20% of patients, moderate dependence in 40% of patients, and high dependence in 40% of them. A high level of stress was recognised in 85% of patients. High motivation to quit smoking was identified in 85% of patients. The research showed that with the increase of tobacco dependence, the level of motivation to quit smoking reduced. For 43% of the respondents the reason for smoking tobacco was to reduce stress. The research showed that the patients with higher degree of nicotine dependence had higher levels of stress.

Conclusions: The majority of patients may have difficulty in persevering in abstinence, despite the high level of motivation to stop smoking. It is caused by moderate or strong tobacco dependence. Therefore, medical personnel should strengthen the incentive and educate patients about the harmful effects of smoking.