Objective:This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of two cognitive behavioral therapy-based smoking cessation interventions initiated during hospitalization and to evaluate the factors related to relapse after discharge. Methods:This was a prospective randomized study involving 90 smokers hospitalized in a university hospital. We collected data related to sociodemographic characteristics, reasons for admission, smoking-related diseases, smoking history, the degree of nicotine dependence (ND), and the level of craving. Patients were divided into two treatment groups: brief intervention (BrInter, n = 45); and intensive intervention with presentation of an educational video (InInterV, n=45). To assess relapse, all patients were assessed by telephone interview in the first, third, and sixth months after discharge. Abstinence was confirmed by measurement of exhaled carbon monoxide (eCO). Results:Of the 90 patients evaluated, 55 (61.1%) were male. The mean age was 51.1 ± 12.2 years. The degree of ND was elevated in 39 (43.4%), and withdrawal symptoms were present in 53 (58.9%). The mean eCO at baseline was 4.8 ± 4.5 ppm. The eCO correlated positively with the degree of ND (r = 0.244; p = 0.02) and negatively with the number of smoke-free days (r = −0.284; p = 0.006). There were no differences between the groups in terms of the variables related to socioeconomic status, smoking history, or hospitalization. Of the 81 patients evaluated at 6 months, 33 (40.7%) remained abstinent (9 and 24 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p = 0.001), and 48 (59.3%) had relapsed (31 and 17 BrInter and InInterV group patients, respectively; p= 0.001). Moderate or intense craving was a significant independent risk factor for relapse, with a relative risk of 4.0 (95% CI: 1.5-10.7; p < 0.00001). Conclusions:The inclusion of an educational video proved effective in reducing relapse rates. Craving is a significant risk factor for relapse.

Objective: To determine the prevalence and characteristics of smoking among inpatients at a university hospital, as well as to evaluate their motivation, interest, and need for help in quitting smoking. Methods: A prospective study involving inpatients treated between May of 2008 and April of 2009 on the cardiovascular disease wards at the Antonio Pedro University Hospital, located in the city of Niterói, Brazil. All inpatients were asked to complete a questionnaire designed to collect data regarding demographics, reasons for admission, and smoking status. The smokers also responded to additional questions regarding their smoking habits. The level of nicotine dependence was determined with the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence. Results: Of the 136 inpatients who participated in the study, 68 (50.0%) were male. The mean age was 60.7 years. The prevalence of smoking was 13.2%. Among the 49 patients with coronary disease, 36 (73.5%) were smokers or former smokers. The majority of the patients presented with a high level of nicotine dependence and reported withdrawal symptoms during hospitalization. Although most smokers were motivated to quit smoking, they admitted that they needed help to do so. Conclusions: Because smoking is forbidden in the hospital environment and most inpatients who smoke are highly motivated to quit, health professionals should view the hospitalization period as an opportunity to promote smoking cessation. ResumoObjetivo: Determinar a prevalência e as características de tabagismo em pacientes internados em um hospital universitário e investigar sua motivação, interesse e necessidade de ajuda para parar de fumar. Métodos: Estudo prospectivo de pacientes internados nas enfermarias de cardiologia do Hospital Universitário Antonio Pedro, localizado em Niterói (RJ), entre maio de 2008 e abril de 2009. Foi administrado um questionário contendo perguntas sobre dados demográficos, motivo de internação e sua condição em relação ao hábito tabágico. Os pacientes tabagistas responderam perguntas adicionais sobre o hábito de fumar. A avaliação da dependência de nicotina foi realizada com o Teste Fagerström para Dependência de Nicotina. Resultados: Dos 136 pacientes internados que participaram do estudo, 68 (50,0%) eram do sexo masculino, com média de idade de 60,7 anos. A prevalência de tabagismo foi de 13,2%. Dos 49 pacientes internados com diagnóstico de doença coronariana, 36 (73,5%) eram fumantes ou ex-fumantes. A maioria dos pacientes apresentou elevado grau de dependência à nicotina e relatou sintomas de abstinência durante a internação. Apesar de estarem motivados para parar de fumar, os pacientes relataram necessidade de ajuda para abandonar o tabagismo. Conclusões: Devido à restrição do ato de fumar em ambiente hospitalar e à elevada motivação dos pacientes, deve-se aproveitar o momento da internação para promover a cessação do tabagismo.Descritores: Tabagismo; Pacientes internados; Abandono do hábito de fumar.