The Prevalence Rate of Cigarette Smoking among Congestive Heart Failure Patients at a Local Family Health Center

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-19-2019

Publication Title

Annals of Public Health Practice

Volume

3

Issue

1

First page number:

30

Last page number:

34

Abstract

Introduction: The prevalence rate of smoking is well documented in the general population, but little is known among patients with Congestive Heart Failure (CHF). The mortality rate of CHF in San Bernardino county is nearly double (18.7 per 100,000 deaths) than that of the State of California (10.8 per 100,000 deaths). There is a need to fill knowledge gaps for CHF patients and identify evidence-based interventions that will help reduce health disparities among populations. Objective: This study aimed to determine the prevalence rate of cigarette smoking among an underserved population for patients with CHF seen at a Family Health Clinic in San Bernardino County. It also sought to gain a quantitative understanding of smoking prevalence rates among past and current smokers with the goal of providing evidence-based interventions for healthcare professionals. Methods: This study used secondary data for CHF patients who self-reported their existing social history as documented by their provider. The list was accessed using Patient Registry report functionality and a further search was conducted using their Electronic Medical Record (EMR). Results: 58% reported smoking in the past and 27% reported to be current smokers. Hence, among CHF patients, the prevalence rate of current smokers is significantly less than past smokers. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of using evidence-based practice at a county clinic that serves the underserved population. Patients with chronic diseases (i.e. heart failure) are empowered to take an active role in their health to reduce the number of Emergency Room visits. The results from this study will aid public health professionals, healthcare providers, and supporting agencies in creating evidence-based interventions for smokers with CHF with the goal of reducing health disparities and alternatively decrease their overall disease burden. Further research opportunities that will utilize secondary data from multiple study sites are highly recommended.

Keywords

Cigarette; Smoking; Congestive heart failure; Interventions

Disciplines

Cardiovascular Diseases | Diseases | Medicine and Health Sciences

Language

English

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