Smoking-Cessation Services Vary for Subgroups of Mentally Ill Veterans

A majority of patients with psychiatric disorders served by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reported receiving smoking-cessation services, yet their smoking rates remained high. And certain patient subgroups were at risk for receiving fewer smoking-cessation services, according to a report in Psychiatric Services. In the study, researchers conducted a secondary analysis of the 2007 Veterans Health Administration Outpatient Survey of Healthcare Experiences of Patients. Between 60 percent and 80 percent of VA patients with mental illness reported receiving some kind of smoking-cessation services through a physician who advised quitting, recommended medication, or discussed methods for quitting.

But patients with schizophrenia had more than 30 percent lower odds of receiving advice on quitting smoking, while those diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or a substance use disorder had significantly greater odds of receiving smoking-cessation services.

The report, "Risk of Smoking and Receipt of Cessation Services Among Veterans With Mental Disorders,” is posted here. For coverage of the study see the latest issue of Psychiatric News here.

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