A preliminary study of cigarette smoking in female orofacial pain patients

The relationship between behavior (eg, diet, exercise, substance use) and the functioning of chronic-pain patients, including orofacial-pain patients, is poorly understood. This preliminary study examined cigarette smoking and both pain-related and psychological functioning in female orofacial-pain patients. Correlates of intentions to quit smoking were also explored. There were 48 participants in this cross-sectional study. Smokers reported significantly less self-control over pain (d =.66), lower general activity levels (d =.52), more fatigue (d =.80), and poorer sleep quality (d =.53) than non-smokers. The mean effect size for all dependent variables was.49 (range,.33-.80) with the smallest and largest effect found for negative mood and fatigue, respectively. More positive attitudes toward smoking cessation independently predicted stronger intentions to quit (β =.52, p =.03). Findings suggest smoking is significantly associated with pain-related and psychological functioning in female orofacial-pain patients. Smoking-cessation treatment for these patients should include motivational interviewing techniques directed toward attitudinal change.