Author:
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Dr.
Waris Qidwai F.C.P.S (Pak)
Associate Professor
Family Medicine Department
Aga Khan University, Karachi
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Correspondence:
Dr. Waris Qidwai
Associate Professor, Family Medicine
The Aga Khan University
Stadium Road, P.O. Box: 3500, Karachi 74800,
Pakistan
Fax: (9221) 493-4294, 493-2095
Telephone: (9221) 48594842/ 4930051Ext. 4842
E-Mail: waris@akunet.org
Key words:
Smoking, Smoking Cessation, Tobacco
Use Disorder, Tobacco Use Cessation
Abstract
Background and Objectives: Tobacco smoking is
a major public health problem. We have studied barriers to smoking
cessation among family practice patients
Methods: It was a questionnaire based survey, conducted
at Family Practice Center, Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi,
Pakistan, in July 2003. A trained volunteer
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administered
the questionnaire that included data on demographic profile of the
patient and information barriers to smoking cessation. Ethical requirement
including the administration of written informed consent and the provision
of confidentiality were ensured. SPSS computer software was used for
data management.
Results: A total of 100 patients were interviewed, of
which 96 (96%) were males. The mean age was 37.4 years. Fifty three
(53%) of the respondents had graduate education. Fifty two (52%) respondents
wanted to give up smoking while fifty five (55%) had tried to do so
in the past. Ninety one (91%) respondents give up smoking during the
fasting month of Ramadan. Craving for smoking, fear of inability to
cope with stress and an increase in irritability were reported by
seventy four (30%), forty six (19%) and forty two (17%) respondents
respectively.
Conclusions: We recommend further research and debate
on barriers to smoking cessation.
 
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