CIGARETTE-SMOKING AMONG PATIENTS WITH MENTAL-RETARDATION AND MENTAL-ILLNESS

Among 136 adults with mental illness and mental retardation who were c onsecutively treated at a development disabilities clinic, 25 reported that they currently smoked cigarettes. Among those with mild and bord erline retardation, smoking rates were 30 and 37 percent, respectively . Smokers were significantly more likely than nonsmokers to drink alco hol, use other drugs, and be sexually active. Multiple regression anal ysis found that a mild or borderline level of retardation and a diagno sis of schizophrenia were significant predictors of smoking. Mentally retarded persons with mental illness are at risk of tobacco-related di sease and may benefit from prevention and smoking cessation interventi ons.