Do adult smokers who are resistant to a period of compulsory smoking abstinence experience higher stress levels during an elective orthopaedic admission than those who are accepting of it?

Abstract

Background Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death with recent figures indicating that over 13,000 deaths each year in Scotland are attributable to smoking (ScotPHO 2012). Cigarette smoke is a known carcinogen causing a multitude of diseases not just for the smoker themselves but for those around them. In 2006 the Scottish Government responded to the high mortality rate by implementing new laws that strictly prohibit smoking inside any public premises to reduce exposure to second-hand smoke (Smoking, health and social care (Scotland) Act 2005). Hospitals are required to have smoke-free policies in place and in Scotland this year these laws are set to extend to encompass the entire grounds in addition to buildings, further restricting smokers. No research has been conducted in Scotland on what impact being resistant to smoke-free policies has on the individual, during a period of hospital-generated smoking abstinence. Aims This study would be conducted to identify if individuals who are resistant to a period of compulsory abstinence are represented in a population accessing elective orthopaedic services. Furthermore, how the stress levels of those resistant compare to the accepting group will be assessed, with the intention of determining if a relationship can be inferred between resistance to a period of compulsory abstinence and stress levels. Methods This is a prospective correlational survey study. It would utilise accidental and quota sampling methods to attain an achieved sample from an elective orthopaedic population in a large Edinburgh hospital. Data collection would be conducted using a series of questionnaires, the results of which would be statistically analysed using descriptive statistics. Further analysis by inferential statistics would be conducted using Analysis of variance statistical test. This seminal research would provide findings on the topic that has thus far not been studied in Scotland. The findings will establish if a relationship between resistance towards compulsory smoking abstinence exists and will be a platform for experimental research into the nature of this relationship. This will help develop a knowledge base in this area to inform nursing practice and policy.