An observational study to assess health care workers tobacco cessation practises, views, resources, constraints, and education, as well as their perceived need for such training
Khan Shanawaz and Khan Saima Rais
Aim: To assess the health care workers practice perspectives barriers and need for the training related to tobacco cessation.
Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted among all the health care workers of Birsa Munda Tribal University, Renton Village, Rajpipala, Gujarat, India, from May 2018 to April 2019. A pre-tested, pre-structured self-administered questionnaire was delivered in person to all health care workers. The study included all health care workers that had contact with smokers, as well as patients who were interviewed to assess their smoking status, willingness to quit, and counselling by health care workers using a pre-structured oral questionnaire.
Results: Almost 86 percent of health care workers stated they inquire about patients' smoking habits, but just 50 percent claimed they assess their patients' readiness to quit smoking. 32 percent assisted patients in quitting smoking, and 28 percent scheduled follow-up appointments. All agreed that it is their responsibility to assist, inspire, discuss, communicate with, refer, and monitor patients who smoke in order for them to quit smoking.
Conclusions: The majority of health care workers thought that they play a critical role in cigarette cessation efforts. The study revealed a need for smoke cessation recommendations to be followed and reinforced.
