Comparing smoking cessation behaviour, attitudes and knowledge between trained and non-trained healthcare professionals

Abstract

Background: Smoking is one of the leading causes of preventable death worldwide. Healthcare professionals play a major role in promoting smoking cessation. Objectives: To compare self-reported behaviour, attitudes and knowledge about smoking cessation between healthcare professionals who did and did not receive training in this subject. Methods: Cross-sectional study carried out among nurses and physicians from a central hospital. A questionnaire was used to collect data on demographic characteristics, behaviour, attitudes and knowledge in relation to smoking cessation. Statistical analyses were conducted to compare the differences between healthcare professionals who received smoking cessation training and those who didn9t. Results: 101 participants enrolled the study, 59.4% having received training in smoking cessation and 40.6% not. Both trained and non-trained professionals frequently asked patients about their smoking status (88.3% and 85.4% respectively).Healthcare professionals who received training were more familiar with behavioural approaches to smoking cessation than those who didn9t (23.8% vs 2.97%; p-value Conclusions: Providing training in smoking cessation leads to increased knowledge among healthcare professionals. Most subjects recognized the importance of smoking cessation. Therefore it is crucial to provide them with training in this subject and enhance patients9 referral to smoking cessation programs.