Giving Smoking Cessation Advice Research Articles

Smoking Perceptions and Practice among Nursing Students in Kabupaten Kupang, Indonesia.

Objective:Several studies have offered evidence of the importance of nursing-led interventions in smoking cessation. However, other studies have found that negative perceptions and smoking among nurses were barriers to them providing such interventions. The purpose of this study is to investigate smoking prevalence among nursing students and the demographic predictors of smoking, as well as perceptions about their roles with regard to smoking behaviour. Methods:A cross-sectional, self-administered, anonymous survey was conducted with all nursing students of the Maranatha School of Health Science in Indonesia. Smoking status, individual and familial characteristics including socio-economic status, and smoking cessation-related knowledge and attitudes were examined. Result:From the population of 313 students, 197 (62.9%) completed questionnaires were included in the analysis. The prevalence of current smoking for participants overall (25.9%) and males (52.4%) were similar to general population smoking rates in East Nusa Tenggara Province (25.9% overall and 52% for males) but lower than national rates (39% and 75.2%). However, the smoking rate among female participants (7%) was higher than national (2.9%) and regional (0.8%) female smoking rates. The majority of participants were aware of smoking health-related risk (87.3%) and supportive of giving smoking cessation advice (96.4%). In terms of seeing themselves as role models by not smoking at all, approximately 97% non-smokers agreed whereas only 60.8% of smokers agreed. Gender and being supportive of being role models by not smoking at all were significant predictors of the smoking status. Conclusion:This study suggests that smoking prevalence among nursing students is high. Despite most of the students having good smoking-related knowledge and having supportive attitudes towards providing smoking cessation services, high smoking prevalence is known to be an impediment to being effective in delivering cessation services. Personal smoking behaviour among nurses needs to be addressed to encourage critical nursing-led smoking cessation interventions.

Smoking Cessation Advice: Knowledge, Attitude, and Practice among Clinical Dental Students'.

Background:Smoking is the single most important public health challenge facing the National Health Service. The detrimental effects on the general health of tobacco smoking are well documented. Smoking is a primary risk factor for oral cancer and many oral diseases. Dental professional scan plays an important role in preventing adverse health effects by promoting smoking cessation.Objective:To assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice among clinical dental students in giving smoking cessation advice and to explore the barriers to this activity.Materials and Methods:A total of 262 clinical dental trainee of two dental colleges (College of Dental Sciences and Bapuji Dental College) of Davangere city were included in the survey. A self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess the knowledge, attitude, and practice toward Tobacco Cessation Advise.Results:Among the 262 participants in the study, around 51% said they know about Nicotine Replacement Therapy, and among them, only 4.6% were aware of the options available in the market. When asked about 5A's of tobacco cessation, only 35.5% were aware of it. Similarly, when asked about 5R's of tobacco cessation, 48.5% were unaware of it.Conclusions:The respondents did not have sufficient knowledge regarding tobacco cessation advice. With patient's disinterest and lack of time being quoted as the important barriers in providing tobacco cessation advice, it is highly recommended that there is need to incorporate few chapters on tobacco, its effect and cessation of habit in the undergraduate dental curriculum with simultaneous application of the same in clinical practice.

Current smoking status and awareness of tobacco hazard in adults in Beijing, 2014

Objective: To understand the status of current smoking and awareness of hazard in adults in Beijing, 2014. Methods: A total of 19 815 subjects were randomly selected with stratified multi-stage cluster sampling from 180 communities of 36 townships of 16 districts in Beijing. Each subject received a standardized questionnaire interview. Results: The current smoking rate of the adults was 26.6% (5 253/19 738), which was higher in men (52.2%) than in women (3.6%) and higher in suburb area (28.9%) than in urban area (25.0%). The adults aged 50-59 had higher rate of current smoking. The daily smoking rate was 23.7% (4 677/19 738). The average age when smoking started was 19.2 years. On average, one smoker consumed 15.2 cigarettes per day. The average score for smoking hazard awareness was 5.8, which was higher in smokers than in non-smokers (5.5 vs. 6.0) (t=-9.854, P=0.000). In the smokers, 5.7% (298/5 213) intended to give up smoking within one month. Doctors gave advice to stop smoking for 66.0% of current smokers. The current smoking rate of patients with chronic disease was 31.8% (3 703/11 628), and 5.5% (202/3 686) of them intended to stop smoking within one month. Conclusions: The smoking rate was still high in men in Beijing. The age of starting smoking every day decreased among younger people. The levels of awareness of tobacco hazard and passive smoking were still low. The willingness of smoking cessation was low. The rate of doctor giving smoking cessation advice was low.

Using a videotaped objective structured clinical examination to assess Knowledge In Smoking cessation amongst medical Students (the K.I.S.S. Study)

Introduction: Brief smoking cessation advice from physicians is an effective smoking cessation intervention and is therefore an important skill medical students should master. We sought to assess the ability of medical students at the University of Auckland, New Zealand at different stages of their clinical education to provide accurate smoking cessation advice.Methods: Seventy-five medical students participated in a five-minute videotaped objective structured clinical examination (VOSCE) with a standardized patient. We marked them using a 10-point scale based on the “5As” of smoking cessation, with a score of 7/10 or more considered a pass. We used the general inductive method to analyze student feedback for key themes.Results: The mean score was 5.81/10, with only 15 (20%) students reaching the pass mark. Qualitative analysis revealed three themes: students had breadth of knowledge but lacked depth; their preference was to prescribe medications; and students were unable to identify where further smoking cessation support could be sourced.Discussion and conclusion: University of Auckland medical students performed poorly when giving smoking cessation advice. Inclusion of smoking cessation education in the undergraduate curriculum is required to ensure all graduates are capable of providing evidence-based and accurate cessation advice.

Factors that influence delivery of tobacco cessation support in general dental practice: a narrative review.

To review the literature reporting factors that are associated with the delivery of lifestyle support in general dental practice. A systematic review of the quantitative observational studies describing activities to promote the general health of adults in primary care general dental practice. Behavior change included tobacco cessation, alcohol reduction, diet, weight management, and physical activity. Tooth brushing and oral hygiene behaviors were excluded as the focus of this review was on the common risk factors that affect general health as well as oral health. Six cross sectional studies met the inclusion criteria. Five studies only reported activities to support tobacco cessation. As well as tobacco cessation one study also reported activities related to alcohol usage, physical activity, and Body Mass Index. Perceptions of time availability consistently correlated with activities and beliefs about tobacco cessation, alongside the smoking status of the dental professional. Dentists who perceive having more available time were more likely to discuss smoking with patients, prescribe smoking cessation treatments and direct patients toward (signpost to) lifestyle support services. Dental professionals who smoke were less likely to give smoking cessation advice and counselling than nonsmokers. Finally, the data showed that professional support may be relevant. Professionals who work in solo practices or those who felt a lack of support from the wider professional team (peer support) were more likely to report barriers to delivering lifestyle support. Organizational changes in dental practices to encourage more team working and professional time for lifestyle support may influence delivery. Dental professionals who are smokers may require training to develop their beliefs about the effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions.

A Pilot Study of Retail 'Vape Shops' in the San Francisco Bay Area.

INTRODUCTIONThe use of electronic cigarettes or vape devices is increasing, and products are evolving rapidly. This study assessed retail vape shops in the San Francisco Bay Area to describe store characteristics, products offered, advertisements and health claims, as well as employees’ perceptions of their customers’ demographics, and practices to support smoking cessation.METHODSWe conducted store audits of shops that exclusively sell vape devices with physical addresses in San Francisco and Alameda counties (n=23, response rate 72%) and interviewed vape shop owners/employees.RESULTSWhile all stores carried second and third generation vape devices, 83% of stores did not carry first generation devices. Employees estimated the majority of their customers bought devices for smoking cessation or to replace tobacco, and a small minority purchased for first-time recreational use. Employees most frequently recommended dosing nicotine based on usual cigarette consumption, adjusting doses based on “throat hit” or cravings, use of a second or third generation e-cigarette, and encouraged customers to experiment and customize to “whatever works for you” as smoking cessation advice.CONCLUSIONSVape shops report a significant number of their customers are interested in smoking cessation, and employees are giving smoking cessation advice. A subpopulation of customers includes some nicotine novices. Studies of vape shops should include both observations and interviews with employees in order to detect important informal practices that may differ from posted signs or printed advertising. These practices include cessation counseling, product claims, and custom discount prices or bargaining.

Smoking cessation advice by rheumatologists: results of an international survey.

The aim of this study was to understand practices regarding smoking cessation among rheumatologists for patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases. A survey was sent to the rheumatologists participating in the multinational Quantitative Standard Monitoring of Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis (QUEST-RA) group. The survey inquired about the clinical practice characteristics and practices regarding smoking cessation (proportion of smokers with inflammatory rheumatic diseases given smoking cessation advice, specific protocols and written advice material, availability of dedicated smoking cessation clinic). Rheumatologists from 44 departments in 25 countries (16 European) completed the survey. The survey involved 395 rheumatologists, of whom 25 (6.3%) were smokers, and 199 nurses for patient education, of whom 44 (22.1%) were smokers. Eight departments (18.1 %) had a specific protocol for smoking cessation; 255 (64.5%) rheumatologists reported giving smoking cessation advice to all or almost all smokers with inflammatory diseases. In a regression model, early arthritis clinics (P = 0.01) and high gross domestic product countries (P = 0.001) were both independently associated with advice by the rheumatologist. Nurse gives advice to most patients in 11 of the 36 (30.5%) departments with nurses for patient education. Advice for smoking cessation within rheumatology departments is not homogeneous. In half of the departments, most doctors give advice to quit smoking to all or almost all patients with inflammatory diseases. However, only one in five departments have a specific protocol for smoking cessation. Our data highlight the need to improve awareness of the importance of and better practice implementation of smoking cessation advice for inflammatory rheumatic disease patients.

Dental patient's knowledge and perceptions about the effects of smoking and role of dentists in smoking cessation activities.

Objectives:The objective of the following study is to assess the knowledge of patients about the consequences of smoking on the general and oral health, to analyze the patient's perceptions about the role of dentists in smoking prevention, counseling and cessation and to analyze the willingness of smokers to quit smoking following dentist's advice.Materials and Methods:A descriptive study was conducted in a sample of 486 dental patients visiting Vokkaligara Sangha Dental College and Hospital, Bengaluruin the month of August 2011 using a self-administered questionnaire. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square test was performed to analyze data.Results:The patients had good knowledge about the effects of smoking on general and oral health. Statistically significant difference was observed in the knowledge of smokers and non-smokers about the effects of smoking on ageing (P = 0.008) and oral cancer (P = 0.0012). Patients had a positive perception about the role of dentists in smoking cessation activities. Smokers exhibited a willingness to quit if suggested by the dentist.Conclusion:Patients perceive that dentists can play an important part in smoking cessation activities. Hence, dentists should not hesitate to give smoking cessation advice to their patients and grasp this opportunity to improve the general and oral health of the community.

Are General Dental Practitioners Providing Best Practice in Prevention – in Everyday General Practice?

To discover whether general dental practitioners are providing best practice in prevention, as defined by the 'Delivering Better Oral Health' toolkit, in everyday general practice. A questionnaire was created with five scenarios describing the key findings of the examination of five hypothetical patients. Dentists attending a postgraduate meeting were asked to list all the preventive treatment and advice they would give each patient. The content of their answers was compared with the toolkit by two researchers. Twenty four dentists completed the questionnaire. In general terms, they did not mention much of the specific advice or recommend the treatment listed in the toolkit except that a significant proportion would apply fluoride varnish to children's teeth and all would give smoking cessation advice where appropriate. Suitable recall intervals, defined by the National Institute for Clinical Excellence, were suggested for three of the scenarios but the advice was inconsistent for the other two scenarios. This small investigation suggests that dentists' implementation of prevention, as advised by the toolkit, is not thorough or consistent. Comprehensive adoption of prevention in dentistry will require intensive multifaceted education and organisational change such as might be provided by the new contracts being piloted at present.

Asking the shisha question

In an excellent editorial, Jawad and colleagues1 highlighted the need for increased awareness of the prevalence and health effects of shisha pipe smoking. By not asking about shisha use, GPs may be missing the opportunity to give smoking cessation advice. In each of the past 3 years, a St George’s medical student has conducted a research project on shisha pipe smoking. In the first survey conducted in 2010, Sajjaad Ismail gave a questionnaire to consecutive shisha cafe attenders in Manchester. The response rate was 85% (202/237). We found that 40% (95/237) of responders did not know the constituents of shisha, 52% (123/237) were unaware of the health risks, and 40% (95/237) would not tell their doctor about shisha if asked about smoking. A similar survey by Abdelaziz Elgindi of 103 shisha cafe attenders in London in 2011 (response rate 94%, 103/110) found that of the 42 responders who also smoked cigarettes, 89% (34/38) reported that smoking shisha relieved the cravings they had for cigarettes compared with only 52% (22/42) who said that cigarettes relieved the cravings they had for shisha (P = 0.001). A head of shisha is estimated to contain around 10 times as much nicotine as one cigarette.2 Most recently in 2012 David Rawaf conducted an online survey of medical students at St George’s, London, with a response rate of 62% (137/222), of which, 65% (89) were white, 11% (15) Middle Eastern, 10% (14) Indian, 7% (10) Pakistani, with the rest Bangladeshi, black, Chinese, and others. It was found that 79.4% (43) have smoked a shisha pipe before, of which the majority are white (58%, or 25). However, only 12 students were ‘regular’ shisha smokers (more than once a week), out of those, three smoked cigarettes. Of the regular smokers, six were Pakistani, four were Indian, and one each of black and white origin. The majority of responders (79%, or 108) did not smoke cigarettes, with 77% (83) having smoked a shisha pipe once. As an aside, it was discovered that medical students had a good understanding of the constituents and health risks of shisha, and most (85%, or 116) felt that clinicians should ask about shisha smoking. As can be seen, shisha smokers are from varying backgrounds, so it is indeed a culture-wide trend, especially among students. However, the dangers are not fully understood by the public, and it is on the shoulders of current and future clinicians to raise awareness. We agree with Jawad and colleagues that GPs, particularly those working in areas with many ethnic-minority patients, should consider ‘asking the shisha question’.

Tobacco use and cessation counseling in India-data from the Global Health Professions Students Survey, 2005-09

Tobacco use by health professionals reflects the failure of healthcare systems in protecting not only beneficiaries of the system but also those involved in health care delivery. The aim of this study was to report findings from the Global Health Professions Students Survey (GHPSS) conducted in medical, dental, nursing and pharmacy schools in India. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Indian dental and medical schools (in 2009), nursing (in 2007), and pharmacy (in 2008) schools. Anonymous, self-administered GHPSS questionnaire covering demographics, tobacco use prevalence, secondhand smoke (SHS) exposure, desire to quit smoking and training received to provide cessation counseling to patients was used. Proportions and prevalence were computed using SUDAAN and SPSS 15.0. Current cigarette smoking and other tobacco use ranged from 3.4-13.4% and 4.5-11.6% respectively, in the four health professional schools, with the highest numbers for medical schools and males. Enforcement of smoking ban in medical schools was low (53%) compared to nursing (86.4%), pharmacy (85.5%), and dental (90.8%) schools. Ninety percent students thought health professionals have a role in giving smoking cessation advice to their patients. Three out of five current smokers wanted to quit. However, one out of two reported receiving help/advice to quit. Although all expressed the need, 29.1-54.8% students received cessation training in their schools. Tobacco control policy, cessation training and initiatives to help students quit smoking should be undertaken.

Smoking cessation advice: knowledge, attitude and practice among clinical dental students

To examine knowledge, attitude and current practice among clinical dental students in giving smoking cessation advice (SCA) and to explore the barriers to this activity. A self-administered questionnaire survey of clinical dental students at Cardiff University School of Dentistry. In 2008, clinical dental students were surveyed (n = 181). Information on smoking cessation practices, students' attitude, potential barriers and level of preparedness to deliver SCA, knowledge of association between tobacco use and various pathological conditions and demographics and tobacco use by clinical dental students were gathered. One hundred and sixty-one (89%) students responded. All students enquired about patient smoking habits in the previous three months but were inconsistent in providing SCA--only one third of students gave SCA all or nearly all the time. Students had good knowledge of the associated health risks with tobacco use. A majority of students perceived barriers in providing patients with SCA. Those who provided advice were more likely to have positive attitudes and reported feeling adequately prepared. Dental educators should address students' perceived barriers towards providing SCA when designing smoking cessation curricula in order to produce dentists who are confident and competent to provide this important health care intervention.

Factors influencing European GPs' engagement in smoking cessation: a multi-country literature review

Smoking cessation advice by GPs is an effective and cost-effective intervention, but is not implemented as widely as it could be. This wide-ranging Europe-wide literature review, part of the European Union (EU) PESCE (General Practitioners and the Economics of Smoking Cessation in Europe) project, explored the extent of GPs' engagement in smoking cessation and the factors that influence their engagement. Two searches were conducted, one for grey literature, across all European countries, and one for academic studies. Data from eligible studies published from 1990 onwards were synthesised and reported under four categories of influencing factors: GP characteristics, patient characteristics, structural factors, and cessation-specific knowledge and skills. The literature showed that most GPs in Europe question the smoking status of all new patients but fewer routinely ask this of regular patients, or advise smokers to quit. The proportion offering intensive interventions or prescribing treatments is lower still. Factors influencing GPs' engagement in smoking cessation include GPs' own smoking status and their attitudes towards giving smoking cessation advice; whether patients present with smoking-related symptoms, are pregnant, or heavy smokers; time, training, and reimbursement are important structural factors; and some GPs lack knowledge and skills regarding the use of specific cessation methods and treatments, or have limited awareness of specialist cessation services. No single factor or category of factors explains the variations in GPs' engagement in smoking cessation. Strategies to improve the frequency and quality of GPs' engagement in smoking cessation need to address the multifaceted influences on GPs' practice and to reflect the widely differing contexts across Europe.

Developing and maintaining patients’ trust during general practice consultations: The case of smoking cessation advice

Objective The aim of this paper is to describe how the process of developing and maintaining trust is related to how and if smoking cessation advice is given in general practice consultations. Methods The study consisted of interviews with six Danish GPs and with 11 of their patients, on the basis of observations of their consultations. Results According to the findings of this study, both the GPs and the patients expected GPs to demonstrate in interaction with the patients their intent to evaluate and possibly resolve the patient's health problem. The GPs were also expected to show that they recognized the patient's health problem. Both GPs and patients felt that this would help to develop patients’ trust in their GPs. Smoking cessation advice during consultations could negate these demonstrations of GPs intents. Smoking cessation advice, however, could demonstrate interest and a desire to help and so develop trust. Conclusion Smoking cessation advice has the potential both to put trust under strain and to strengthen trust. The outcome depends on whether the advice conforms to what both patients and GPs expect from the interaction in general practice consultations. Practice implications To develop and maintain patients’ trust GPs should consider the specific expectations from the interaction with patients during consultations when giving smoking cessation advice.

Smoking prevalence among qualified nurses in the Republic of Ireland and their role in smoking cessation

Smoking is the leading preventable cause of premature mortality, killing approximately 6000 people in Ireland each year. On 29 March 2004, the Republic of Ireland became the first country in the world to ban smoking in all workplaces, including bars and restaurants. This study took place after the introduction of this smoking ban. An admission to hospital provides an opportunity to help people stop smoking. Nurses' role and wide availability puts them in a prime position to encourage people to quit smoking. To examine the smoking prevalence among qualified nurses at a large university teaching hospital in Cork Southern Ireland and their role in smoking cessation. This was a descriptive cross-sectional study using a calculated sample of 430 qualified nurses (with a 70% response rate). A structured questionnaire was used. It was found that 21% (n = 63) of nurses were smokers, 23% (n = 70) were ex-smokers and 56% (n = 167) were non-smokers. The highest prevalence of smokers was found in the age groups 20-25 years (28%, n = 17) and 26-30 years (34%, n = 21). Nurses working within psychiatric care (47.4%) and coronary care (33.3%) had the highest smoking prevalence among the nurses who smoked. The study found that there was a significant difference between the attitudes of smokers and non-smokers, 89% (n = 211) of non-smokers strongly agreed that cigarette smoke represents a major risk to health in comparison with only 65% (n = 41) of smokers. Only 14% (n = 43) of the nurses surveyed had received training in smoking cessation. Lack of time (74%) and lack of training (65%) were the two main reasons given by nurses for not giving smoking cessation advice to patients. Nurses' potential in preventive health care has been largely under-utilized. Lack of time and training are major factors inhibiting nurses' role in smoking cessation with their patients.

Do Smoking Cessation Activities as Part of Oral Health Promotion Vary between Dental Care Providers Relative to the NHS/Private Treatment Mix Offered? A Study in West Yorkshire

To determine whether or not and to what extent health promotion and smoking cessation activities varied between dental practices relative to their National Health Service (NHS)/private treatment mix. A piloted questionnaire was posted to all dental practitioners within West Yorkshire, with two follow-up mailings. The response rate was 50% (386/769) of dental practitioners within West Yorkshire. Respondents were dichotomised at the median according to the proportion of NHS/private patients seen (>89% NHS, described as 'NHS-orientated practices' [NHSOPs] and <90% NHS, referred to as 'more privately-orientated practices' [POPs]). Practice profiles: Compared with POPs, NHSOPs' respondents had a significantly higher proportion of adult patients exempt from NHS charges (34% vs 57%), together with a higher proportion of children. Health promotion activities: there was no significant difference between the two groups of practitioners regarding the proportion claiming to give smoking cessation advice (42% vs 37%), although a higher proportion of those from POPs offered guidance on diet and nutrition (67% vs 54%; P<0.05). However, a significantly higher proportion of POP respondents reported (a) recording smoking status in the clinical notes, (b) giving out smoking-related leaflets, and (c) referring to an NHS 'Stop Smoking Service'. NHSOP respondents were more likely to cite 'lack of time', 'no incentive' and 'lack of expertise' as potential barriers to providing health promotion advice. General: 7% of POP respondents thought that the new NHS contract arrangements would influence their smoking cessation activities versus 19% of NHSOP residents. Considerable variation between NHSOPs and POPs was found when comparing aspects of their health promotion/smoking cessation activities. The findings identified here suggest that the current situation, with regard to the NHS, will tend to increase health inequalities.

Smoking behaviour and attitudes regarding the role of physicians in tobacco control among medical students in Kuopio, Finland in 2006

Summary Background The smoking behaviour of medical students may predict their intentions to counsel patients who are smokers about smoking cessation. The aim of this study was to assess the prevalence of smoking among medical students in Kuopio and whether attitudes towards tobacco control and future smoking cessation advice is related to their own smoking status. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted among medical students at the University of Kuopio, Finland in 2006 using a validated self-administered questionnaire about smoking behaviour and smoking cessation developed by the WHO. The final participation rate was 61%. Results Smoking prevalence among the students was 15% (daily smoking 3%, occasional smoking 12%). Smoking prevalence was higher among males than among females (23% vs 11%, respectively, p-value 0.006). Smokers perceived active and passive smoking as being less harmful to health than non-smokers (p-values Conclusion Medical students’ smoking behaviour negatively affects their plans to give smoking cessation advice once they become physicians and their attitudes on the roles of physicians in tobacco control programs. Hence, there is a need to introduce a well structured, compulsory tobacco control program into the medical curriculum at the University of Kuopio in order to prepare students for their future roles in promoting tobacco control initiatives.

The perceived effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions aimed at pregnant women: A qualitative study of smokers, former smokers and non-smokers

As part of an NHS-funded research programme, pregnant women and mothers of preschool children were interviewed about their views on smoking in pregnancy and parenthood. Their partners were also interviewed where consent was obtained. In this paper, respondents' opinions on the perceived effectiveness of smoking cessation interventions aimed at pregnant women are reported. Research participants were able to describe a number of smoking cessation interventions that were perceived as being effective at preventing smoking activity during pregnancy. However, smokers reported less interventions than other respondents. Over half of smokers in the present study were contemplating cessation at the time of the interview, but none of these individuals had set a date to quit or made a plan of action on how to quit. While the majority of former-smokers and non-smokers felt that health professionals were the ‘right people’ to give smoking cessation advice to pregnant women, nearly all of the current smokers disagreed with this statement. Therefore, health professionals' need to be aware of individual differences in how their patients interpret evidence-based information on smoking cessation and plan interventions accordingly.

Practice nurses' self-reported opportunistic smoking cessation advice in three contexts

Little is known of the current smoking cessation activities of practice nurses and their attitudes toward giving smoking cessation advice. This study aimed to (a) compare practice nurses' reports of giving smoking cessation advice as part of cervical screening with their reports of giving such advice in cardiovascular disease screening and diabetes care, (b) compare their beliefs about providing such advice in these three contexts, and (c) determine the strongest predictors of their reports of giving smoking cessation advice. A survey was completed by 152 practice nurses in the United Kingdom. The frequency with which they reported giving smoking cessation advice and their beliefs about giving such advice in three contexts are reported. Nurses reported being more likely to give smoking cessation advice and had more positive beliefs about giving it in the more traditional contexts of cardiovascular screening and diabetes care compared with cervical screening. Beliefs about the appropriateness and practicality of giving such advice in the latter context were the strongest predictors of nurses' reports of doing so. This study provides guidance on the potential barriers that need to be overcome to increase the frequency with which nurses give smoking cessation advice in the context of cervical screening.

Just nipping outside for a quick smoke

Lee Furniss urges members of the health care team to become skilled in giving smoking cessation advice, and spread the word about the dangers of smoking.