This study aims to understand (a) the prevalence and correlates of smoking in a psychiatric population, (b) factors that encourage smoking cessation, and (c) awareness towards cessation programmes. This study captured data (n = 380) through a modified version of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS). A descriptive analysis of the data was performed. The prevalence of smoking was 39.5% (n = 150) and 52.3% of the smokers were dependent on nicotine. More than half of the smokers had made at least one attempt to quit in the past 12 months and 56% reported no immediate plans to quit smoking. The awareness towards institutional smoking cessation programmes was fair (44%), with 49.7% of smokers having indicated that they were willing to use the service upon referral. Smokers endorsed that increasing the cost of cigarettes, restricting availability, and increasing knowledge of health harms could encourage smoking cessation. Past smokers reported that self-determination/willpower followed by substitution of smoking with other types of foods and drinks were factors that helped them achieve successful cessation. Given that the readiness to quit and awareness towards cessation programmes are low among the smokers, concerted efforts through educational programmes and policy changes are crucial to achieve successful cessation.

Background: This study seeks to investigate factors associated with using complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) for a mental illness among the three major ethnic groups (Chinese, Indians and Malays) in the general population of Singapore.Methods: Data from the 2016 Singapore Mental Health Study was used; responses from the “Services” section of the Composite International Diagnostic Interview version 3.0 (CIDI 3.0) administered during face-to-face household interviews with participants were analyzed to establish prevalence of CAM use among Singaporeans. Additionally, sociodemographic variables of interest were selected for sub-group regression analyses to yield correlates of CAM use among the three ethnic groups.Results: 6.4% of Singaporeans used at least one form of CAM in the past 12 months for their mental illness. Malays reported using CAM the most, followed by Indians and Chinese. Sociodemographic variables such as education and employment were differently associated with CAM use among the ethnicities. Across all three ethnic groups, CAM users were more likely to report poorer mental health-related quality of life.Conclusion: Despite the significant differences in CAM use among Chinese, Malays and Indians, those who had a mental illness were significantly more likely to use CAM regardless of ethnicity. This highlights the need for communication between CAM practitioners and conventional mental healthcare providers for early referral when appropriate which would lead to improved healthcare delivery and better clinical outcomes.

Background: Unhealthy behaviours such as physical inactivity, sedentary behaviour and smoking have been found to be more prevalent in people with psychiatric disorders than in the general population, leading to increased mortality risk. The present study seeks to identify correlates of physical activity and sedentary behaviour among psychiatric patients in Singapore, as well as investigate differences in their physical activity patterns by smoking status. Methods: Participants (n =380) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Singapore as part of a study on the prevalence and correlates of smoking among psychiatric patients. Physical activity levels and sedentary behaviour were measured using the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQ) and analysed based on GPAQ guidelines. Chi-square analyses were conducted to examine differences in physical activity by smoking status, and logistic regression analyses to yield sociodemographic correlates of meeting physical activity guidelines (as recommended by the World Health Organization) and sedentary behaviour. Results: Education was found to be significantly associated with meeting recommended physical activity levels, while age and marital status were significantly associated with excessive sedentary behaviour. Additionally, while no significant differences were found among current, former and non-smokers across all types of physical activity engagement levels, there was a high prevalence of inadequate physical activity (43.2%) and excessive sedentary behaviour (38.8%) among participants. Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of inadequate physical activity and excessive sedentary behaviour among current, former and non-smokers with psychiatric disorders, programmes aimed at increasing physical activity and lowering sedentary behaviour levels should be integrated into targeted treatment plans to improve clinical outcomes.

The aim of the current study was to examine the associations between nicotine dependence and quality of life (QOL) among individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD) or psychotic disorders. Methods: A total of 378 participants diagnosed with either MDD or psychotic disorders were recruited. The Fagerstorm Test for Nicotine Dependence was used to measure the level of nicotine dependence. The SF-12 health survey questionnaire was used to measure the QOL. Results: The prevalence of nicotine dependence was 23.3% in this sample population. For those diagnosed with MDD, moderate level of nicotine dependence was negatively associated with Vitality and Mental Component Score. For those diagnosed with a psychotic disorder high nicotine dependence was negatively associated with Role Emotional, Mental Health and Mental Component Score. Discussion: Compared to the general population, the prevalence of smoking in this psychiatric population was 2.4 times higher, while that of nicotine dependence was seven times higher. Individuals with psychotic disorder generally reported better QOL as compared to individuals with MDD. QOL differed across diagnostic groups with regards to socio-demographics, such as age, ethnicity, marital status, education, employment status and monthly income. Among individuals with MDD and psychotic disorders, different levels of nicotine dependence resulted in different levels of association with QOL. More research is needed to better understand the differences in QOL among the varying levels of nicotine dependence.

This study examined the (a) health beliefs and emotions (perception of risk, benefits, severity, and worry) about smoking among current and former smokers, (b) their awareness of health warnings, (c) factors associated with smoking-related health beliefs, and (d) the factor structure of the health belief questionnaire. Participants (n = 184) were recruited from a tertiary psychiatric care hospital. Current smokers showed a significantly higher risk perception and lower perceived benefits compared to former smokers. Younger age (<40 years), nicotine dependence (ND), a history of smoking-related diseases (SRD), and intention to quit were significantly associated with a higher risk perception in current smokers. Younger age, a history of SRDs, and motivation to quit were positively associated with health beliefs, while the latter two were associated with worry. Motivation and younger age were associated with a better perception of benefits and severity. Information on the cigarette packets was the major source of awareness for the sample, and 69% reported that existing campaigns were not effective in discouraging their smoking. Personalized risk communication and educational initiatives must focus on improving the knowledge of risk, benefits, and increase motivation to promote health cognition and thus smoking cessation.