• S S Shin, D Xiao, M Cao, C Wang, Q Li, W-X Chai, R P Lindsay, P Usita, and T E Novotny.
• Joint Doctoral Program in Global Health, San Diego State University/University of California, San Diego, California 92182-4162, USA.
• Int. J. Tuberc. Lung Dis. 2012 Jan 1; 16 (1): 126-31.

SettingTuberculosis (TB) hospital in Beijing, China.ObjectiveTo describe perspectives of patients and physicians regarding the incorporation of smoking cessation interventions as part of TB treatment.DesignSeven focus groups were conducted with 39 patients and 17 physicians.ResultsPatients were more receptive to physicians' advice to quit smoking due to increased concerns about their health after becoming ill with TB. However, patients indicated that they might start smoking again after they recovered from TB. Patients' attempts to quit smoking may have been inhibited by exposure to smoking at the TB facility. Physicians had low levels of knowledge regarding the effect of smoking on TB. Many doctors, particularly those who smoked, did not view smoking cessation as an integral part of TB treatment.ConclusionDespite the presence of a 'teachable moment', TB patients experience significant barriers to quitting smoking. Patient education in TB treatment programs should address the specific effects of smoking on TB and the general health benefits of cessation. Smoke-free policies should be strictly enforced in TB facilities. Successful integration of smoking cessation interventions within TB treatment regimens may require that providers adopt smoking cessation as an essential part of TB treatment.

29 keywords...

hide…