RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 Health, smoking and doctors' advice
JF The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
JO J R Coll Gen Pract
FD British Journal of General Practice
SP 174
OP 178
VO 32
IS 236
A1 R. Cooperstock
A1 B. Thom
YR 1982
UL http://bjgp.org/content/32/236/174.abstract
AB One hundred and sixty-seven individuals with chronic conditions were interviewed about their smoking history and current habits as part of two larger studies on health care. The interviews were lengthy and permitted individuals to comment freely on reasons for stopping or continuing smoking and the role of doctors' advice in these decisions. Only 22 per cent had never smoked. The youngest and males were most likely to have smoked. At time of interview, 51 per cent of those who had ever smoked were still smoking. Those with circulatory disorders, in contrast to respiratory or musculoskeletal disorders, were most likely to have stopped. Perceptions of doctors' advice varied by both age and diagnosis, with the elderly claiming to have received little medical advice. Those with histories of circulatory disorders reported receiving advice more frequently. Doctors may have advised these individuals more frequently because there was threat to life, but it is also possible that individuals with life-threatening disorders are more likely to recall such advice.