Abstract
Background Smoking cessation is the most significant action that people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undertake to hinder the progression of the disease. Smoking is strongly related to anxiety and mood disorders. The prevalence of anxiety and depression in people with COPD is considerable. The research question is: What is the relationship between continued smoking and anxiety and depression as measured by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) in people with COPD?
Method and participants Cross-sectional study design. Participants were recruited from primary health care centers and lung physicians' offices (N=100). Two thirds (73%) were on GOLD stage I & II and on third (27%) on GOLD stage III & IV. Mean age was 59 years, 46 men and 54 women. All had smoked at one time but 40% had quit. There was no difference in smoking rate between men and women or level of education.
Results There was no difference in smoking rate in GOLD stage I & II compared to stage III & IV (p=0.14). Smoking rate was 68% in < 55 y.o., 71% in 55-60 y.o. and 47% in >61 y.o. (p=0.06). Patients who still smoked had significantly more anxiety (p=0.01) compared to ex-smokers. There was no relationship between smoking and depression.
Conclusion The significance that anxiety has in continued smoking in people with COPD may be of major importance in establishing effective smoking cessation treatments for people with COPD.
- © 2014 ERS
