Smoking cessation at 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne stroke incidence study

There is limited knowledge about smoking cessation after stroke. We examined smoking cessation and recall of smoking cessation advice among 5-year stroke survivors.

Interviews were conducted between May 2002 and May 2004 with 5-year survivors from a population-based stroke incidence study undertaken from May 1 1997 to April 30 1999 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were gathered on smoking status at stroke onset, cessation advice recalled and periods of cessation up to 5 years after stroke. Cessation was determined by examining smoking status at stroke onset and at 5 years after stroke.

Of the 441 5-year stroke survivors, 343 (78%) had smoking data at follow-up. Fifty-one people were current smokers at stroke onset and 19 (37%) had quit smoking by 5 years after stroke. Of the 40 ever smokers who responded to a question regarding cessation advice, 40% (n = 16) could not recall receiving any such advice since their stroke.

The majority of smokers continued to smoke at 5 years after stroke. Few smokers recalled smoking cessation advice. Given that receiving such advice can be the first step towards cessation, improvements in the delivery of advice to this high-risk group are needed.