The impact of socioeconomic and demographic factors on the utilization of smoking cessation medications in patients hospitalized with cardiovascular disease in Nova Scotia, Canada

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Abstract
Objective: To determine whether any demographic or socioeconomic factors affect the use of smoking cessation medications in patients hospitalized with heart disease. Method: Data were obtained from the Improving Cardiovascular Outcomes in Nova Scotia (ICONS) Canada database, which includes a registry of all hospitalized patients with a diagnosis of ischaemic heart disease, congestive heart failure, or atrial fibrillation since October 1997. Patients agreeing to provide follow‐up were sent an enrolment survey to determine demographic and socioeconomic factors including household income, educational background and private drug insurance plans. Results: Between 15 October 1997 and 31 December 2000, 5442 patients who were current smokers and 270 patients using a smoking cessation medication were admitted to hospital registered in the ICONS database. An enrolment survey was completed by 1071 current smokers and 77 patients using a smoking cessation agent. Conclusion: Higher education level, presence of private drug insurance plans, and less difficulty paying for basic needs were associated with higher use of smoking cessation medications.