Learning Objectives: To better understand factors that may undermine relatives efforts to quit smoking following their loved one's diagnosis of lung cancer
Abstract: Emotional distress and motivation for smoking cessation among relatives of lung cancer patients CM McBride, KI Pollak, J Garst, F Keefe, P Lyna
Problem: A loved one’s lung cancer diagnosis may motivate relatives who smoke to consider quitting. Relatives’ cessation efforts may be undermined if they are distressed about their loved one’s diagnosis.
METHODS: Telephone surveys were conducted with 66 relative-smokers who were identified by a random sample of newly diagnosed lung cancer patients (n=32). Associations of relative’s distress, patient characteristics, relationship factors, and relative’s motivation and confidence to quit smoking were tested.
RESULTS: 60% of the relatives were female; the average age was 45; and for 71%, the patient was an immediate relative. Relatives reported smoking on average 22 cigarettes/day; 78% smoked within 30 minutes of waking; and 79% said the diagnosis increased their intentions to quit. With respect to distress, 45% and 48% respectively, reported frequent intrusive or avoidant patterns of thinking related to the diagnosis; 50% scored above the cut-point for depression (shortened CESD). Young and light smokers with a loved one diagnosed at an early stage reported the strongest desire to quit. Those who reported higher rather than lower levels of avoidant thinking, depression or worry about lung cancer were significantly less likely to be contemplating cessation or to report that the diagnosis increased their intentions to quit. Discussion: Despite high motivation to quit, distress about the loved one’s diagnosis may undermine cessation among this highly nicotine dependent target group. Emotional distress will need to be addressed as a means of encouraging cessation at this potential teachable moment.
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