An exploration of the tobacco-related health promotion needs of people with mild / moderate learning disabilities

Authors:
Susan Kerr, Maggie Lawrence, Christopher Darbyshire, Alan Middleton and Lorna Fitzsimmons

Presenter:
Susan Kerr
Reader in Public Health, School of Health, Glasgow Caledonian University, UK

Abstract
In recent years there has been increasing concern regarding behavioural determinants of health among people with learning disabilities (PwLD). While information on the prevalence of smoking in this client group is limited, it appears that levels of smoking in people with mild/moderate learning disabilities are similar to the general population.

A need to develop specially tailored smoking cessation interventions for this client group has been identified; however, there is currently a dearth of evidence to inform practice. This paper will report findings from a qualitative study which forms part of a programme of research aiming to develop/test interventions designed to provide smoking cessation support for PwLD. In this phase of the research programme we sought to explore factors that influence the use of tobacco in PwLD and also factors likely to encourage/support cessation attempts. The sample, recruited from two NHS Board areas in Scotland, included PwLD, informal carers and professionals (n = 35). The data were gathered during focus group and one-to-one interviews and were analysed thematically.

The presentation will focus the personal and environmental factors that appear to initiate and maintain smoking in this client group
(e.g. behavioural capacity, impulse control). Also based on these qualitative findings and a systematic review of the literature, recommendations for the development of tailored smoking cessation interventions will be made.

Source of funding: Queen’s Nursing Institute Scotland

Declaration of interest: none

About the presenter
Dr Susan Kerr is a Reader in Public Health in the School of Health at Glasgow Caledonian University. Her research activity is focused on the social and behavioural determinants of health and she has a specific interest in the role that tobacco plays in increasing health inequalities. Susan is the current Chair of the Scottish Tobacco Control Alliance Research Group. She is also a member of the ‘Research and Evaluation Sub-group of the Ministerial Working Group on Tobacco Control.’