The attitude toward tobacco dependence and barriers to discussing smoking cessation: a survey among Turkish general practitioners

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate the general attitude of a sample of Turkish general practitioners (GPs) toward tobacco dependence and to assess their knowledge and behavior regarding smoking cessation (SC).

Methods: A self-administered questionnaire modified from WHO, Global Health Professional Survey was distributed to GPs, working in our district, Isparta.

Results: As much as 41% of GPs were current smokers. Ever smokers were generally less likely to agree with statements that would change their freedom to smoke in certain places. While 46% of GPs frequently inquired about tobacco use in their patients, 13.5% did not advise any of their patients to quit smoking during the month preceding the questionnaire. The most common barriers reported by GPs to discussing SC with their patients were as follows: considering the discussion not to be effective (57.8%), having low confidence in knowledge (48.1%), having unpleasant personal experience or considering it a thankless task (46.1%).

Conclusions: It appears essential to reduce the number of GPs who smoke and to improve GP training on SC procedures for integrating SC treatment into primary care in Turkey.