Knowledge, attitude and barriers regarding smoking cessation counseling among primary health care physicians in Jeddah, 2019

Abstract

Background: Tobacco smoking is highly prevalent in Saudi Arabia, and there is a need to reduce the resultant health burden via patient-oriented smoking cessation interventions. Primary care physicians (PCPs) have a significant role in providing counselling and advice to quit smoking. Objectives: To assess knowledge and attitudes of PCPs regarding smoking cessation counselling (SCC) and to investigate the barriers and facilitators to providing SCC care. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted including family physicians, general practitioners (GPs), and dentists working at primary healthcare centers (PHCCs) in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. The included PHCCs were selected via a random sampling technique, and all eligible PCPs were approached via a semi-structured, self-administered questionnaire comprising of 33 items. Results: A total of 130 physicians responded (55.4% females, 60.2% family physicians, 16.2% smokers). The median (P75) knowledge score was 5.00 (6.00) out of 10, and 36.2% of the participants had adequate knowledge. Significantly higher knowledge levels were reported among family physicians and GPs compared to dentists (p=0.004), as well as PCPs who received training on SCC (p=0.001) and those with better confidence in providing interventions (p=0.005). The majority of PCPs acknowledged the importance of SCC interventions (96.2%) and necessity to provide regular advice (90.8%). The lack of time to provide advice and follow-up were significant barriers, while being involved in SCC was reported as the main facilitator. Conclusion: There is an urgent need to promote PCPs’ knowledge via suitable solutions, such as continuing medical education on SCC, digital education interventions, and specialized SCC centers. Keywords: Smoking Cessation, Primary Health Care, Counseling, Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice.