Smoking cessation counselling practices among Québec optometrists: evaluating beliefs, practices, barriers and needs

Abstract

Background: Despite the fact that cigarette smoking is a well known risk factor for many ocular diseases, very little data exist regarding optometrists' interventions in smoking cessation counselling with their patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the practices, perceptions and educational needs of Québec optometrists regarding smoking cessation counselling. Methods: A self‐administered questionnaire pertaining to smoking cessation counselling practices was mailed to 600 optometrists licensed in Québec. Results: The response rate was 51 per cent. The majority (90 per cent) of respondents (n = 288) reported having the required knowledge of ocular diseases related to smoking. Most respondents recognised that optometrists should ask their patients if they smoke (73 per cent), should advise their smoking patients to stop smoking (65 per cent) and should be cognisant of the resources available that can support patients in their efforts to quit smoking (65 per cent). Few responders asked their patients on a regular basis if they indeed smoked (16 per cent) or advised them to stop, if such was the case (29 per cent). Moreover, only eight per cent of respondents knew the resources toward which they should direct their patients who wish to stop smoking. Only eight per cent of respondents perceived themselves as being competent to offer counselling. For 72 per cent of the respondents, the main obstacle to smoking cessation counselling was the lack of knowledge about counselling. Approximately half (48 per cent) of respondents are interested in acquiring competencies in smoking cessation counselling. Conclusion: Based on the results of the present study, optometrists in Québec are well aware of the effects of smoking on ocular health and the importance of educating their patients; however, they might not possess the required skills to assist their patients in quitting smoking. Because they have not received sufficient training, optometrists in Québec remain an untapped resource in tobacco cessation counselling.

Advice about diet and smoking for people with or at risk of age-related macular degeneration: a cross-sectional survey of eye care professionals in the UK

“…However, only a third of respondents in the current survey reported that they regularly took a smoking history in new patients and a similar number were proactive in advising on smoking cessation. Previous studies that have investigated the attitudes and practice of optometrists in this area have reported similar findings [30,31]. These studies also identified a number of barriers to routinely addressing a patient’s smoking behaviour including time constraints and a perceived need for further training in this area [31].…”

Patient Tobacco Use in Optometric Practice

“…31 A 2012 study of 306 optometrists in Quebec (Canada) reported that most respondents (90%) were aware of some ocular diseases related to smoking; however, few advised patients to stop smoking (29%). 32 A qualitative pilot study conducted in 2009 of 11 optometrists in southwestern Ontario found that participants were well aware of the associations of smoking with eye diseases such as AMD and advised patients who smoked about these risks; however, few systematically asked their patients about specific smoking behavior or interest in quitting. The optometrists in the study had neither referred patients to smoking cessation telephone quitlines and community-based services nor provided specific prevention messaging to younger patients about smoking and eye health.…”

Smoking and the eye: what Québec teenagers know and fear

“…Reports have shown Québec optometrists are well aware of the effects of smoking on ocular health and of the importance of educating their patients. In addition, they believe it is their role to enquire about the smoking status of patients and to recommend that they stop smoking . Care should be taken to inform optometrists they should take time to educate their non‐smoking, teenage patients as well.…”