Smoking cessation for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and myocardial infarction (MI) is an important treatment and the most cost-effective public health strategy. However, 49% to 78% of patients with MI and COPD continue to smoke despite medical advice.

PURPOSE OF THE STUDY

In-depth study of smoking behavior in patients with COPD and MI, comparative analysis and search for additional measures to improve the effectiveness of anti-smoking measures.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

In 84 smoking inpatients (48 — with MI, 39 — with exacerbation of COPD) smoking behavior was studied using the Horn and Fagerstrom questionnaires, as well as a content analysis of answers to the questions «Indicate the reasons why you resort to the act of smoking?» and «What are the reasons that will force you to quit smoking?»

RESULTS

Patients with COPD were, on average, 7.5 years older than patients with MI (p=0.0013). A high interest of patients with COPD (86.1%) and MI (87.5%) in smoking cessation was revealed. The high percentage of return to smoking among patients of both groups and the difference in the level of socio-psychological prerequisites for smoking and smoking cessation in COPD and MI justify the inclusion of a clinical psychologist in teamwork to overcome nicotine addiction.

CONCLUSION

The need for professional help in smoking cessation in COPD and MI and the search for new ways of interaction with the patient are shown.