Smoking during and 1-month after discharge in Southern European countries (Spain and Portugal)

Introduction Smoking prevalence is still high in Southern European countries. Smokers are frequent users of hospitals and hospital admission might be an adequate moment for quitting. The aim of this study was to assess changes in smoking status, willingness to quit, and quit attempts among current smokers during hospitalization and one-month after discharge. Methods We conducted a survey among current smokers hospitalized in two convenience hospitals in Portugal and two in Spain during hospitalization and one-month after discharge. A representative sample of conscious and oriented smokers participated after giving their informant consent and telephone number. The survey included questions about patients’ smoking status (abstinence, cigarettes per day, etc), their willingness to quit smoking, quit attempts, and other socio-economic variables. We conducted a Chi-squared bivariate descriptive analysis, stratified by country. Results 211 smokers were identified during hospitalization (58 from Portugal and 153 from Spain). Overall 74% of smokers were abstinent during hospitalization. Women, ≥55 years/old, and those who live with a non-smoker presented a higher percentage of abstinence than their comparisons (men, 0.001). The main reason to continue smoking was nicotine dependence and anxiety; while the main reasons to quit smoking were receiving health professional advice and personal decision (42.8% in both cases). Conclusion Hospitalization is a key moment to promote smoking abstinence and quit attempts. Our findings suggest the need to promote smoking cessation during and after hospital stay.