Survey of 100 people who have attended the Stop Smoking Groups

Questionniare

Males : 41%     Females : 59%

Age range : 20 years - 82 years

Q: How many cigarettes do you smoke in a typical day?  

1-5 = 1%   5-10 = 4%   10-20 = 14%   20-30 = 52%   30-40 = 21%   40+ = 8%      (Some smokers had cut down before attending the group.   People who have stopped smoking also attend to strengthen their committment)

Q: How many years have you been a regular smoker?     Average: 36 years.

Q: How soon after waking do you have your first cigarette?   57% of smokers had the first cigarette of the day within ten minutes of waking.   (The majority of the other smokers ranged between fifteen minutes to two hours.   Some people only smoked in the evenings or socially, when having a drink)

Q: How many in your houshold smoke?     Average of two people

Q:   Do you understand the term Passive Smoking ?   85% of people answered yes.  (passive smoking is second hand smoke or breathing other peoples tobacco smoke)

Q: Have you ever been advised to stop smoking?   64% of people attending the groups had been advised to stop smoking by their doctors, for health reasons.

Comments: What do you believe smoking does for your health?   bronchitis, lung cancer... chesty, breathing problems...  cough... bad skin.. stained teeth.. bad breath....  unfit......................

Q: Are you ready to give up smoking?   Yes 71%   Possibly 22%   No 7%       (Some people are not ready to stop smoking.   Stressful life events can be one reason)

Q: How many times in the past have you tried to stop smoking?   63% of people had tried to stop smoking over four times.   (Stop smoking methods included; nicotine patches, gum, inhalers, tablets prescribed by their doctor and 'cold turkey' will power)

Q: How long did you manage not to smoke?   (The range is from less than an hour, to several years)

Main Benefit Checklist

The list below outlines some of the main benefits to giving up smoking.   Read the list and choose the three items that you feel are the most important to you.

I will feel more healthy

I will be less short of breath

I will reduce the risk of serious illness from lung cancer, heart disease and bronchitis

I will reduce chest pains, coughs, catarh and chest infections

I will save money

I will be fitter and enjoy sport and exercise more

I will stop needing to always have cigarettes available

I will no longer smell of tobacco

My teeth and fingers will no longer be stained by nicotine

I will make it less likely that my children will start to smoke

I will reduce the damage and give my baby the best start in life, if I am pregnant

I will improve my self-respect

You may have other personal reasons for giving up smoking.