Asthma and smoking – healthcare needs and preferences of adults with asthma who smoke

Abstract

Objective: People with asthma smoke at least as much as, if not more than, people without asthma. The aim of this study was to explore the unique healthcare needs and preferences of smokers with asthma, in terms of smoking topography and initiation, perceived interplay between asthma and smoking, motivation and readiness to quit, and proposed smoking cessation techniques. Methods: Qualitative, semi-structured, in-depth telephone interviews with adult smokers who have concurrent asthma were conducted. Participants were recruited through flyers displayed at community pharmacies, general practice surgeries, university campuses, and respiratory clinics of tertiary hospitals and through an advertisement on the “Asthma Foundation” website. Recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using NVivo®10 software (QSR International, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia). Obtained data were content-analysed for emergent themes using the ‘framework approach’. Results: Twenty-four semi-structured interviews were conducted. Most participants believed that smoking often worsens their asthma and increases the frequency and severity of their symptoms. Fear of asthma-related exacerbations and poor self-control appeared to be the major triggers for quitting smoking. Most patients reported being motivated to quit smoking; however, in many cases, determination and strong will power need to be coupled with public, social, professional, and therapeutic support to achieve and maintain success. Conclusions: Given the unique needs of people with asthma who smoke, it is imperative that evidence-based smoking cessation programs be designed and tailored to assist them in effectively quitting smoking.

• Asthma
• dependence
• healthcare professional
• needs
• preferences
• smoking
• smoking cessation

Acknowledgements

The authors acknowledge Miss Jessica Diep for facilitating the recruitment of participants. We would also like to thank “Asthma Australia” and all participating venues for displaying the project recruitment flyer. We also express gratitude to every individual who consented to take part in the interview.