"Just one more. . .!" A study into the smoking attitudes and behaviour of patients following first myocardial...

A retrospective analysis of smoking behaviour among 43 smokers admitted to a Coronary Care Unit with their first Myocardial Infarction (M.I.) was conducted in order to describe factors which differentiated ex-smokers post M.I. from continued smokers. A multi-factorial questionnaire was devised to measure attitudes, health belief and social support. A significant difference in attitudes was identified. Health beliefs were also identified as a significant variable. In a re-examination of the Health Belief Model, the experience of the M.I. itself proved to be a prime motivator for smoking cessation, whilst emotional symptoms accounted for continued smoking. The implication for health education and the implementation of smoking cessation groups are discussed.