Patient/Family Attitudes & Perceptions

MCG Health System Tobacco Free Initiative Survey Results

 

Overview

More than 1,000 surveys were distributed to patients, families and visitors in the adult and pediatric nursing units (including ICUs and psychiatry inpatient units) and the Family Medicine Practice Site. 

Respondent Profile

• The number of surveys returned was 176, which represents a respectable return rate of roughly 17 percent.
• Fifty percent of respondents have never used tobacco, while a total of 50 percent use or have used tobacco (27 and 23 percent respectively).
• Demographics broke down as follows: 50.6 percent were patients, 62.6 percent were female and ages ranged evenly across age groups from 20s to 50s.
• Of those who use or have used tobacco, 78 percent (68 out of 87) smoke cigarettes, making it the most common type of tobacco used. 34.3 percent of cigarette users smoke more than one pack a day, and 31.3 percent smoke ½ to one pack a day.

Opinions

• 72.4 percent of current or previous tobacco users did not or have not sought help to quit.
• Over-the-counter medications were the top choice of those trying to or who did quit. But prescription medications were the top choice when respondents were asked what could help them control tobacco urges while hospitalized or at an ambulatory practice site.
• Respondents had very strong attitudes and perceptions related to tobacco use in general and at MCG Health System. Overwhelmingly, responses were in support of the initiative.