Knowledge of doctors about smoking risks and their attitude toward it's cessation in antenatal clinics

Abstract

Background: Smoking during pregnancy proves to be hazardous thus proper advice to mother regarding smoking can be very beneficial for the health outcome of both mother and infant. The aim was to assess the knowledge, attitude of doctors at different designation in antenatal clinics with regard to smoking risks and cessation and associated factors. Methodology: Questionnaire was filled by 164 doctors from 5 hospitals in Karachi, Pakistan. Data was analyzed using SPSS version 21. Chi-square test was applied and level of significance was taken as Results: The 91.5% of respondents considered assessment of smoking as integral part of their medical responsibility and also believe that pregnancy is good time for women to quit smoking but only 32.4% reported that they ask regarding smoking habit in 100% of patients. Knowledge score for risks and cessation were 2.57 and 2.12 respectively; though few misconceptions seen especially 57.3% of doctors were against use of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnant females and 69.4 % falsely believed smoking is associated with pre-eclampsia. Factors independently associated with good baseline knowledge were: formal training (p 0.01), hospital smoke free policy (p 0.004). Doctors with formal training were more confident while counseling patients for smoking cessation (p 0.05). 52.7% never inquired about passive smoking. Conclusion: Although few basic misconceptions were seen doctors had considerably good knowledge regarding smoking risks and methods of smoking cessation. Despite of good intentions they lack skills to educate women against it. There is dire need of training doctors and evaluating hospital policies regarding smoking prohibition.