Going smoke-free: attitudes of mental health professionals to policy change

WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT?: While smoking rates within the general population in Australia are dropping, 32% of Australians with a mental illness smoke, increasing to 73% among those with severe or chronic mental illness. In Australia and elsewhere, smoking bans within mental health facilities have been implemented. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: We surveyed 98 mental health professionals in Australia to gather information on attitudes toward smoke-free policies in mental health/psychiatric units within Australia. While previous research has sought information on agreement or disagreement with smoking-bans, very little research has been conducted focusing on attitudes held by mental health professionals towards smoke-free policies. This study utilized a mixed-methods approach in which the qualitative data provides a rich source of information to assist in developing programmes or interventions to influence attitudes and therefore change behaviours of mental health professionals. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This paper can be useful in providing a better understanding of the theories linking smoking and mental illness, and the common 'myths' which influence attitudes to smoking cessation in clinical populations. Results will influence the development of training and education resources for mental health practitioners, and particularly for nursing staff working within psychiatric facilities, in relation to smoking cessation. Importantly, this issue has implications in the areas of policy planning and development, education relating to smoking behaviour and smoking cessation programmes, together with holistic health care.

Introduction Mental health units in Australia and internationally are increasingly implementing smoke-free policies. Due to the high prevalence of smoking among clinical populations, this has become an important research area. Purpose of study This study explored the attitudes of mental health professionals toward smoke-free policies in mental health units within Australia. Method Using an online survey design, 98 Australian mental health professionals participated in the study. Results Results indicated that only 25.5% agreed with a total smoking ban. Although supporting smoke-free initiatives within the wider community, participants commonly held attitudes that were unsupportive of smoking bans, and indicated beliefs inconsistent with a smoke-free policy for clinical populations. Discussion Results suggest the need for appropriate staff education and training regarding smoking behaviours and risks, and smoking cessation treatments for clinical populations if smoke-free policies are to be successfully implemented. Implications for practice Findings suggest important implications for holistic mental health care, staff education and training, as well as policy, planning and development, particularly in relation to this treatment group, who are likely to have entered a psychiatric unit in crisis.