Beliefs of mental health nurses about smoking by clients of inpatient mental health facilities

BACKGROUND The prevalence of tobacco smoking among people with mental disorders is higher than the general population, and has a negative impact upon the physical health of this group. Tobacco has a unique place in mental health culture. The beliefs of nurses influence their attitudes towards smoking by clients. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to ascertain the beliefs of mental health nurses about smoking by clients in inpatient mental health facilities, and to identify if years of experience as a mental health nurse, smoke-free status and workplace influence these beliefs. METHOD A cross-sectional survey was distributed to a sample of mental health nurses across New Zealand. Responses were cross-tabulated with reference to the three variables above. RESULTS Smoke-free status made the biggest difference to nurses’ beliefs relating to prohibition of smoking for clients, staff and visitors; concern about the effects of passive smoking; the role of smoking in the development of therapeutic relationships; smoking as a source of pleasure and the role of smoking in symptom management. In particular smoke-free nurses were more supportive of smoke-free policies than those who were nicotine dependent. Smoke-free nurses also expressed more concern about the effects of passive smoking on smoke-free staff and clients. Nicotine dependent nurses were more likely to perceive a positive role for smoking in the development of therapeutic relationships and symptom management, and were more likely to believe that smoking is a source of pleasure for people with mental disorders. Nurses working in inpatient services were more likely to believe that smoking was helpful in developing a therapeutic relationship and to consider supporting clients to become smoke-free as part of their role than those who work in community services. The survey also elicited a lack of consensus amongst the nurses about the relationship between nicotine withdrawal and mental disorder changes. DISCUSSION Routine screening of smoking status, with interventions and support offered if indicated should be core practice of all nurses working with people with mental disorders. All nurses working with this group should be provided with the skill and knowledge to deliver effective smoking cessation interventions and support, including the ability to differentiate between the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal and mental disorders. In addition, all practicable support should be provided to nicotine addicted nurses to become smoke-free.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Nursing

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Grantor

Eastern Institute of Technology

Year dc:date.issued

2009

Author dc:creator

• Connolly, Michael

• New Zealand
• mental health nurses
• inpatient setting
• smoking
• beliefs
• smoking cessation
• surveys

Statement dc:rights

• All rights reserved

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10652/6596

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:null:10652/6596