P364:
L Boyle, J Crawford, J Howard, JS Elborn.
Regional Adult CF Centre, Belfast City Hospital, Northern Ireland

Introduction:
The detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on the respiratory system are well documented. The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of smoking among adult CF patients attending our centre and to ascertain views on smoking cessation.

Methods:
A questionnaire was posted to all patients (n=108) attending the adult CF centre at Belfast City Hospital. Patients were informed that their responses would be treated confidentially.

Results:
The response rate was 60% (65/108). Of these, 9 patients reported that they were ex-smokers, 6 currently smoked and 50 reported that they were non-smokers. The average number of cigarettes smoked daily in the ex-smoker group was 9.3. The reasons reported for stopping smoking included: "felt health was suffering" (n=6); advice from CF team (n=1); and family reasons (n=1). Eight of the ex-smokers had given up smoking without assistance of any kind. The average number of cigarettes smoked daily amongst the current smokers was 11.3. The majority of smokers reported that they had been informed by the CF team of the health risks associated with smoking, and believed that stopping smoking would improve their health. All patients were aware of the smoking cessation techniques available at the centre (nicotine replacement therapy, bupropron, smoking cessation clinic, inhalator, hypnosis and acupuncture) and expressed an interest in finding out more about bupropron and hypnosis. Support to stop smoking was perceived as adequate, yet 5 of the 6 smokers reported that they had previously tried to stop smoking without success. Four of the six smokers described themselves as "planning to stop" with the remaining two describing themselves as "concerned smokers".

Conclusion:
This study highlights that the incidence of smoking among adult patients with CF in Northern Ireland is low, and has indicated that the current support regarding smoking cessation is adequate. As a number of patients with CF continue to smoke it is important to educate patients regarding the risks associated with smoking and ensure that patients are aware of the wide range of smoking cessation techniques available.