Knowledge of and practices related to smoking cessation among physicians in Nigeria

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the knowledge and practices of smoking cessation among physicians in Nigeria. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional survey in Lagos and three geopolitical zones of Nigeria. A self-administered structured questionnaire was used to obtain information on tobacco use and its health effects, as well as on the knowledge and practices of smoking cessation, from 436 physicians. Results: Of the 436 physicians, 292 (67.0%) were aware of smoking cessation, but only 132 (30.3%) showed good knowledge on this topic. The prevalence of smoking among the physicians was 17.7%. In addition, 308 physicians (70.6%) reported that tobacco education in the medical school curriculum was inadequate. Of the 436 physicians, 372 (86.2%) asked their patients whether they smoked, and 172 (39.4%) asked their patients the reasons for using tobacco. As a means of smoking cessation intervention, 268 (61.5%) used brief advice/counseling (2-5 min), 12 (3.7%) prescribed antidepressants, 16 (2.8%) prescribed nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), and 76 (17.4%) arranged follow-up visits. When the physicians were questioned regarding the obstacles to smoking cessation interventions, 289 (66.3%) cited poor knowledge of the issue, 55 (12.6%) cited a lack of time, and 20 (4.6%) cited unavailability of NRT. Conclusions: The results of this study highlight the lack of knowledge among physicians in Nigeria in terms of smoking cessation, as well as their failure to apply appropriate practices. The results of this study can further the evaluation and formulation of guidelines on smoking cessation and smoking education programs for physicians. Our findings also underscore the need to offer smoking cessation programs in all treatment facilities.Keywords: Smoking cessation; Tobacco; Physicians; Nigeria; Health knowledge, attitudes, practice. ResumoObjetivo: Avaliar o conhecimento e as práticas para a cessação do tabagismo entre médicos na Nigéria. Métodos: Um inquérito transversal foi realizado na cidade de Lagos e em três zonas geopolíticas da Nigéria. Um questionário estruturado de autopreenchimento foi respondido por 436 médicos para a obtenção de informações a respeito do uso de tabaco e de seus efeitos na saúde, seu conhecimento e as práticas para cessação do tabagismo. Resultados: Dos 436 médicos, 292 (67,0%) estavam informados a respeito da cessação do tabagismo, mas somente 132 (30,3%) demonstraram bons conhecimentos sobre esse assunto. A prevalência de tabagismo entre os médicos foi de 17,7%. Além disso, 308 médicos (70,6%) relataram que a educação sobre tabagismo nos currículos de medicina era inadequada. Dos 436 médicos, 372 (86,2%) questionavam seus pacientes quanto ao tabagismo, e 172 (39,4%) os questionavam quanto aos motivos para o fumo. Como forma de intervenção para a cessação do tabagismo, 268 (61,5%) utilizavam breve aconselhamento (2-5 min), 12 (3,7%) prescreviam antidepressivos, 16 (2,8%) prescreviam terapia de reposição nicotínica (TRN), e 76 (17,4%) agendavam consultas de acompanhamento. Quando os médicos eram...

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