Predictors of smoking abstinence after first-ever ischemic stroke: A 3-month follow-up

Abstract

Background and Purpose - Predictors of smoking abstinence in stroke survivors remain largely unexplored. The present study addressed the relationship between degrees of nicotine dependence and smoking abstinence 3 months after ischemic stroke. Methods - One hundred smokers with first-ever ischemic stroke were prospectively enrolled to the study. Correlates of nicotine dependence as well as sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were assessed during hospitalization. Smoking status was determined at 3-month follow-up. Results - Significant predictors of smoking abstinence at follow-up included: the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence score, the Barthel Index, the number of smoking household members, and the Geriatric Depression Scale score. Conclusions - Our results suggest that smoking cessation after ischemic stroke can be determined by the interplay of psychobiological and environmental factors. © 2009 American Heart Association Inc.