Smoking cessation among Australian methadone clients: Prevalence, characteristics and a need for action

Abstract

The aim of this study was to describe a sample of Australian methadone clients with respect to smoking and cessation-related behaviours and motivations. A cross-sectional survey was completed by 103 methadone clients in the Hunter Region of New South Wales, Australia. Characteristics of the sample included low socioeconomic status, and high polydrug use and nicotine dependence. Key findings were a high prevalence of smoking (84%) and low likelihood of quitting, including a quit ratio of less than 10%. Over half of smokers were classified as 'Precontemplative', and 34% as 'hard-core' smokers. The need for research to develop and test tailored interventions for this population is highlighted, as is the need for methadone services and staff to facilitate client smoking cessation.