Does smoking affect the outcome of patient education and self-management in asthmatics?

Patient Educ Couns. 2003 Jan;49(1):91-7. doi: 10.1016/s0738-3991(02)00051-4.

Abstract

Information on the potential effect of smoking on the outcome of patient education in asthma is lacking. We randomly allocated 78 asthmatics to either a control or intervention group. Intervention consisted of two 2-h group sessions followed by 1-2 individual sessions each by a nurse and a physiotherapist. Self-management was emphasised following a stepwise treatment plan at exacerbations. Smokers experienced more general practitioner (GP) visits (P=0.001) and absenteeism from work (P=0.02), a greater need for rescue medication (P=0.03), a larger drop in FEV1 (P=0.02) and worse St. George's respiratory questionnaire (SGRQ) scores (P<0.001) compared to non-smokers during the 1-year follow-up. In multiple linear and logistic regression models smoking was still associated with worse SGRQ scores, a drop in FEV1, higher need for GP visits and rescue medication and higher total costs. We, thus, conclude that smoking was associated with reduced health related quality of life, a drop in FEV1, increased need for rescue medication and GP visits and higher costs after patient education during the 1-year follow-up, compared to no smoking.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Absenteeism
  • Adult
  • Asthma / complications
  • Asthma / prevention & control*
  • Asthma / psychology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cost of Illness
  • Family Practice / statistics & numerical data
  • Female
  • Forced Expiratory Volume
  • Humans
  • Linear Models
  • Logistic Models
  • Male
  • Norway
  • Outcome Assessment, Health Care
  • Patient Education as Topic / organization & administration*
  • Quality of Life / psychology
  • Self Care / methods
  • Self Care / psychology
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Smoking / adverse effects*
  • Surveys and Questionnaires