Readiness Visual Analog Scale: A Simple Way to Predict Post-Stroke Smoking Behavior

Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2015 Aug 13;12(8):9536-41. doi: 10.3390/ijerph120809536.

Abstract

Background and purpose: The aim of the present study was to assess a relationship between readiness to quit and post-stroke smoking behavior.

Methods: Eighty-six active smokers with first-ever ischemic stroke were recruited in a tertiary-care stroke unit. The question "Are you ready to quit smoking within the next month?" with yes/no responses and the 10-cm readiness visual analog scale (VAS) was administered during the anti-smoking intervention. Smoking status was verified at the 3- and 12-month follow-up.

Results: The readiness VAS score at hospitalization was significantly lower in patients classified as smokers as compared to patients classified as non-smokers. The readiness score <5 cm was a significant predictor of smoking at the 3-month (OR, 7.3) and 12-month follow-up (OR, 4.9).

Conclusions: The present results suggest that the readiness VAS can be used as a simple and inexpensive instrument for early identification of patients who continue to smoke after stroke.

Keywords: cigarette smoking; ischemic stroke; readiness to quit; secondary prevention; visual analog scale.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Pilot Projects
  • Secondary Prevention / methods*
  • Smoking / adverse effects
  • Smoking / epidemiology
  • Smoking / psychology
  • Smoking Cessation / psychology*
  • Smoking Cessation / statistics & numerical data
  • Smoking Prevention*
  • Stroke / etiology
  • Stroke / prevention & control*
  • Visual Analog Scale*