Risk groups and predictors of short-term abstinence from smoking in patients with coronary heart disease

ObjectivesWe sought to identify risk groups among smoking cardiac patients from their social cognitive profiles, and to assess predictors of smoking abstinence shortly after discharge.MethodsSmoking cardiac patients (n = 133) completed questionnaires at hospital admission and 1 month after discharge. Hierarchical cluster analysis was used to detect risk groups of smokers, based on baseline scores for smoking-related social cognitions. Regression analyses were used to identify predictors of the intention to abstain from smoking and smoking abstinence 1 month after discharge.ResultsThree groups of smokers were distinguished that differed significantly on the pros of nonsmoking, self-efficacy expectancies toward nonsmoking, social support, social modeling, and smoking behavior. Abstinence from smoking 1 month after discharge was predicted by group membership and a stronger intention to quit. A previous hospital admission because of a cardiac event significantly decreased the likelihood of abstinence.ConclusionsOne third of cardiac patients are at high risk of continuing smoking after hospital discharge because of an unfavorable smoking and disease history and a poor social cognitive profile. Interventions for cardiac patients should address risk profiles to achieve long-term abstinence. The implications of nursing practices in smoking cessation treatments are discussed.