UCT partners with JOIA Foundation to help people with mental health disorders quit smoking

Once again this year, the Tobacco Control Unit (UCT) has teamed up with the JOIA Foundation to help patients with mental disorders quit smoking. This non-profit organisation provides integration services for people with mental disorders in 10 centres in Barcelona.

Specialist nurses from UCT’s outpatient clinic gave an informative workshop to a number of patients, providing them with information about tobacco addiction, including recommendations for a healthy lifestyle. Some misconceptions about tobacco products were also dispelled, and recommendations were given on how to start a smoking cessation process. All participants had their carbon monoxide, lung capacity and lung age measured.

This joint community activity with the JOIA Foundation started in 2014 and aims to reduce the high prevalence of tobacco use among people with mental disorders.