SY03-2-4 * WHO-ISAM FELLOWSHIP BARRIERS OF TOBACCO CESSATION AMONG INDIAN BUPRENORPHINE-NALOXONE MAINTAINED PATIENTS

Abstract

Introduction. Prevalence of smoking in opioid agonist treatment programme, leading to significant health hazards and high mortality. This study aims to examine the readiness to quit, perceived personal health and risk susceptibility associated with tobacco use and importance of intervention, among patients on opioid agonist treatment with buprenorphine-naloxone. Methods. Fifty-five males on buprenorphine-naloxone treatment at National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre, India, were assessed using Tobacco Use Characteristics, Fagerstrom test for nicotine dependence (smoker and smokeless tobacco user), Readiness to Change questionnaire (RCQ), Smoker's Perceived Health Risk Evaluation (SPHERE), Importance of Intervention scale and a semi-structured questionnaire. Results. 65.4% of the subjects were smokers, 9% were using smokeless tobacco only whereas 25.6% were using both. Mean FTND score of 5 ± 1.70 among smokers, denotes medium dependence. Only one-fifth of them reported prior quit attempts for tobacco. None of the attempts involved any assistance. 38.8% did not plan to quit in next 6 month. Perceived personal health and risk were poor. Only 61.62% considered intervention for smoking cessation important. Most common choice of intervention was advice and guidance only (49%). Conclusions. Higher severity of nicotine dependence, Poor willingness to quit highlights the need for on-site motivational treatment.