Reducing the prevalence of smoking in people with mental health problems: an exploration of the role, knowledge and ...

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The prevalence of smoking in people with mental health problems has been shown to be more than twice that of the general population. In addition, people with mental health problems are more likely to suffer from smoking-related diseases, including heart disease and respiratory disorders. Studies have shown that more that 50% of people with mental health problems who smoke would likely to stop; however, support is rarely provided by the health professionals with whom they have contact. The aim of the proposed study is to gather information that will be used to develop an educational intervention designed to, encourage community-based mental health professionals and general practitioners to discuss the subject of smoking cessation with people who have mental health problems, and, to ensure that people who wish to stop smoking are provided with appropriate levels of support. The study will adopt a qualitative approach and will gather interview data from community-based mental health professionals, general practitioners and people with mental health problems who smoke. The efficacy of the educational intervention, informed by the findings of the study, will be tested in future work.