Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To describe perceptions of smoking in men hospitalized with cardiovascular disease (CVD). BACKGROUND: Smoking is a major risk factor and associated with the high prevalence of CVD in Jordan. METHODS: The study design was cross-sectional with a convenience sample. A structured interview was conducted in 112 men who were hospitalized with CVD. RESULTS: The study showed that 91% of men hospitalized with CVD smoked daily. The majority (83%) had attempted to quit smoking in the past without help from others, and intended to quit in the future using the same previously unsuccessful method. They were unaware of the hazards of smoking such as stroke; or the long term health benefits of quitting smoking. Logistic regressions showed that men were more confident in quitting smoking if they had a high income (OR: 7.7; 95% CI: 2.7, 22.3), longer hospitalizations (OR: 2.6; 95% CI: 1.3, 5.3), or were hospitalized in acute cardiac settings (OR: 3.9; 95% CI: 1.2, 12.7), and admitted with a diagnosis of MI or angina (OR: 3.0; 95% CI: 1.1, 8.3). CONCLUSION: Assessment of smoking status with smoking cessation counseling is paramount in hospitalized men with CVD who smoke.