Smoking cessation at 5 years after stroke in the North East Melbourne Stroke Incidence Study

Background/Aims: There is limited knowledge about smoking cessation after stroke. We examined smoking cessation and recall of smoking cessation advice among 5-year stroke survivors. Methods: Interviews were conducted between May 2002 to May 2004 with 5-year survivors from a population-based stroke incidence study undertaken from May 1 1997 to April 30 1999 in Melbourne, Australia. Data were gathered on smoking status at stroke onset, cessation advice recalled and periods of cessation up to 5 years after stroke. Cessation was determined by examining smoking status at stroke onset and at 5 years post stroke. Results: Of the 441 5-year stroke survivors, 343 (78%) had smoking data at follow-up. Fifty-one people were current smokers at stroke onset and 19 (37%) had quit smoking by 5 years after stroke. Of the 40 ever smokers who responded to a question regarding cessation advice, 40% (n = 16) could not recall receiving any such advice since their stroke. Conclusion: The majority of smokers continued to smoke at 5 years post stroke. Few smokers recalled smoking cessation advice. Given that receiving such advice can be the first step towards cessation, improvements in the delivery of advice to this high-risk group are needed.