Smoking Cessation in Women With Severe Mental Illness: Exploring the Role of Exercise as an Adjunct Treatment

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the potential role of exercise in smoking cessation in women with severe mental illness (SMI).MethodsSemistructured interviews with 12 women diagnosed with SMI receiving smoking cessation treatment were conducted.ResultsParticipants perceived three roles for exercise in assisting smoking cessation—addressing fears with preexisting chronic health conditions, emotion management and distraction, and weight management. Most participants identified health care providers (HCPs) as needing to play a supportive role in integrating exercise into smoking cessation attempts.ConclusionFindings support a potential role for exercise in facilitating smoking cessation among women with SMI.Practice ImplicationsHCPs should consider developing referral links with exercise specialists to facilitate smoking cessation in women with SMI.