Changes in smoking-related symptoms during enforced abstinence of incarceration.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Tobacco use among prisoners is much higher than among the general population. Little is known about changes in smoking-related symptoms during periods of incarceration. The objective of this study is to evaluate changes in smoking-related symptoms during incarceration.

Methods

We recruited 262 inmates from a tobacco-free prison. At baseline, participants were asked about smoking-related symptoms prior to incarceration and then asked about recent symptoms.

Results

All symptom scores on the American Thoracic Society Questionnaire (ATSQ) improved during incarceration. Higher ATSQ scores were associated with asthma, depressive symptoms, stress, higher addiction and more pack years of smoking. Greater improvement in symptoms was not associated with smoking statu

SUBMITTER: Clarke JG 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5129187 | biostudies-literature | 2015 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature