Assessment of Challenges Faced by Cardiovascular Patients in Quitting Smoking

Taghinejad , Hamid; Mozafari , Mosayeb; Mahmoodi , Parvin; Mozafari , Aliashraf; Senobar Tahaei , Mohammad Parsa

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Volume 34, Issue 1 (3-2026)

Journal of Ilam University of Medical Sciences 2026, 34(1): 46-57

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Assessment of Challenges Faced by Cardiovascular Patients in Quitting Smoking

Hamid Taghinejad¹

, Mosayeb Mozafari¹

, Parvin Mahmoodi²

, Aliashraf Mozafari³

, Mohammad Parsa Senobar Tahaei ^*⁴

1- Dept of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
2- Student Research Committee, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran
3- Clinical Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Kurdistan University of Medical Sciences, Sanandaj, Iran
4- Dept of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing and Midwifery, Ilam University of Medical Sciences, Ilam, Iran , tahaei.parsa@gmail.com

Abstract: (452 Views)

Introduction: Smoking is one of the most important modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular diseases, and quitting is a complex and multidimensional process. Therefore, the present study aimed to identify the challenges faced by cardiovascular patients in the process of quitting smoking at Tohid Hospital, Sanandaj, in 2025.
Materials & Methods: This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 317 cardiovascular patients using a simple random method. Inclusion criteria included age over 18 years and a history of at least one unsuccessful smoking cessation experience in the last 6 months, and the exclusion criterion was incomplete completion of the questionnaires. Data were collected using a demographic information form and a 15-item Smoking Cessation Challenges (CSS) questionnaire in two internal and external dimensions. Analysis was performed with linear regression tests and nonparametric tests in SPSS V.16.
Results: The mean total score of smoking cessation challenges was estimated to be 24.38±7.63. Dimensional analysis showed that the severity of internal challenges (23.37±4.71) was significantly higher than external challenges (14.86±6.05). The results of the multiple regression model showed that occupation, lack of regular exercise, longer duration of smoking, more frequent attempts to quit, and history of concurrent alcohol use were significant predictors of increased smoking cessation challenges (p<0.05). Also, increasing age was significantly associated with increased internal challenges, and a low income level was significantly associated with increased external challenges.
Conclusion: Internal challenges (personal and psychological) are the main obstacles for heart patients in the smoking cessation process, and factors such as advanced age, concurrent alcohol use, and heart failure exacerbate these challenges. Therefore, focusing solely on awareness is not enough, and it is necessary to shift treatment programs from recommendation-based approaches to comprehensive and individual-centered interventions, including management of withdrawal symptoms, promotion of self-efficacy, and specialized psychological support, in order to increase the success rate of sustainable cessation in these patients.

Keywords: Challenges of quitting smoking, Quitting smoking, Cardiovascular patients

Full-Text [PDF 1847 kb] (155 Downloads)

Editorial Note: Research | Subject: nursing
Received: 2026/01/19 | Accepted: 2026/02/28 | Published: 2026/03/25

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Taghinejad H, Mozafari M, Mahmoodi P, Mozafari A, Senobar Tahaei M P. Assessment of Challenges Faced by Cardiovascular Patients in Quitting Smoking. J. Ilam Uni. Med. Sci. 2026; 34 (1) :46-57
URL: http://sjimu.medilam.ac.ir/article-1-8886-en.html

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