THE FEASIBILITY OF RECRUITING HOSPITALIZED-PATIENTS WITH DIABETES FORA SMOKING CESSATION PROGRAM

The aims of this study were to identify hospitalized smokers with diab etes, assess the severity of their physical condition, and determine t heir willingness to participate in a postdischarge smoking cessation p rogram. Hospitalized smokers with diabetes were identified through ref errals from the Dietetics Department. Smoking status was determined vi a medical charts, healthcare staff, and patient self-report Among all patients with diabetes who were identified (n=314), smoking status was routinely recorded only for those with a primary cardiac diagnosis (4 1%). Smokers (n=59) were significantly younger and reported multiple b ut fewer concomitant diagnoses than nonsmokers, Ninety-one percent of the smokers who were contacted refused to participate in a postdischar ge smoking cessation program. We conclude that accurate methods are ne eded for identifying all smokers to facilitate cessation efforts. The severity and chronicity of the physical condition of hospitalized smok ers with diabetes may limit willingness to participate in a postdischa rge smoking cessation intervention.