SMOKING AMONG PSYCHIATRIC-PATIENTS

The present study examined the prevalence and determinants of smoking among patients receiving different psychiatric diagnoses (DSM-III-R). The study sample of 1,217 in- and outpatients, 13 to 88 years of age, treated at the Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, i n eastern Finland, was interviewed using two sets of questions during May 1993. The prevalence of smoking was significantly higher in male ( 62% vs. 34%) and female patients (40% vs. 22%) compared to the general population. Among men the highest rate was observed in shcizophrenia and among women in personality disorder. Ln persons with major depress ion or personality disorder smoking was related to the level of depres sion. The best determinants of smoking in multiple logistic models wer e alcohol drinking, poor financial situation and male gender. Educatio n, or marital status were not associated with smoking after adjustment of confounders. Because psychiatric patients smoke so much, preventio n approaches are clearly indicated.