Barriers and motivators for tobacco smoking cessation in people with multiple sclerosis

Hunter, Assunta; Grech, Lisa B.; Borland, Ron; das Nair, Roshan; White, Sarah L.; Marck, Claudia H.

Abstract

Introduction
Smoking is a key modifiable risk factor for health outcomes of people with multiple sclerosis (MS). Little evidence exists on whether the information and support needs of people with MS who smoke are met. This study aimed to explore knowledge, attitudes and beliefs about smoking and quitting, and quitting support needs in Australian people with MS.

Methods
Current and recent smokers were recruited for phone interviews through social media and newsletters. Interview data were analysed in NVivo using framework analysis.

Results
We interviewed 25 people with MS (20 current and five recent smokers). Many participants had little knowledge about the risks of smoking on MS progression. Some reported perceived benefits from smoking on MS symptoms, while others perceived smoking worsening their symptoms. Similarly, quitting was believed to have health benefits, but concerns about withdrawal symptoms and the impact on MS symptoms and relapses were common. Participants reported ambivalence discussing smoking with clinicians; some wanting more information and support, while also feeling shame or guilt. Many participants were asked about their smoking status by MS clinicians, however, the provision of evidence-based information, and referrals to quitting support services was very infrequent. General practitioners were often found helpful and supportive, but participants gave more weight to quit advice from MS clinicians.

Conclusion
Our results are the first to indicate that smoking cessation needs of Australian people with MS are not met. These findings should be confirmed in a larger sample, but there is potential to investigate whether implementing routine provision of brief advice in MS care, as a coordinated effort between MS researchers, practitioners, consumer advocates and behavioural intervention services, may meet these needs. Further, developing targeted resources and training quit counsellors to provide appropriate information and support specific to people with MS may improve smoking cessation success in people with MS.

Citation

Hunter, A., Grech, L. B., Borland, R., das Nair, R., White, S. L., & Marck, C. H. (2021). Barriers and motivators for tobacco smoking cessation in people with multiple sclerosis. Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders, 54, Article 103085. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.103085

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Jun 10, 2021
• Online Publication Date: Jun 17, 2021
• Publication Date: 2021-09
• Deposit Date: Jun 10, 2021
• Publicly Available Date: Jun 18, 2022
• Journal: Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders
• Print ISSN: 2211-0348
• Electronic ISSN: 2211-0356
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 54
• Article Number: 103085
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.msard.2021.103085
• Keywords: Multiple sclerosis; Tobacco smoking; Qualitative; Cessation; Modifiable risk factor
• Public URL: https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/5654404
• Publisher URL: https://www.msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(21)00352-7/fulltext#articleInformation
• Related Public URLs: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2211034821003527