Tobacco Cessation Interventions in Tertiary Hospitals in Nigeria: An Audit of Patient Records

Abstract

This study provides empirical evidence showing that there is poor documentation of tobacco use inquiry and brief intervention among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria. Records showing implementation of the 5A's were abysmally low and opportunities for brief intervention may have been missed. In line with the World Health Organization recommendations of Article 14 of the Framework Convention on Tobacco Control, efforts to promote brief intervention among physicians in tertiary hospitals in Nigeria should include an emphasis on appropriate documentation of tobacco control interventions in patient clinical notes.

The role of dentists in clinical tobacco cessation interventions: The status in Nigeria

“…There are myriads of oral diseases associated with chronic tobacco use 3,4 including gingivitis, periodontitis, periodontal abscess, oral pre-cancer, and oral cancer 3,4 .…”

“…A review of clinical cases of oral diseases managed in dental settings revealed that patients with a history of tobacco use had poorer health outcomes than patients that were non-users of tobacco [5][6][7] . A very effective way to stem the development of tobacco-associated oral diseases is through tobacco cessation interventions 3 .…”

“…Chronic consumption of tobacco and tobacco-products can cause nicotine addiction -tobacco nicotine dependence 3,18 . Fortunately, many tobacco users are willing to quit its use 19 .…”

“…There are two major strategic protocols developed to clinically manage tobacco nicotine dependency in patients 3,19,20 : 1) clinical counselling therapy; and 2) NRT.…”

“…The former involves non-pharmacological management of tobacco using patients while the latter involves the use of drugs in such management 3,19,20 .…”