[Tobacco dependence in primary care: the opinion of professionals in the Guadalajara Health Area]

Abstract

Objective: To find the views and approach of primary care professionals in this Health Area to questions referring to restrictions on tobacco consumption, possibilities of intervention and resources devoted to monitoring tobacco dependency.

Design: A crossover study using an anonymous self-administered questionnaire with closed replies.

Setting: Primary care professionals from the Guadalajara Health Area.

Participants: Medical, nursing and other professional staff (361 people), with an 86.1% reply rate.

Measurements and main results: 90.7% thought it was a good idea that tobacco consumption was legally regulated, although only 54.3% of non-smokers and 49.7% of doctors were in favour of extending the law. 37.5% of doctors and 19.5% of nurses (at the expense above all of non-smokers) were in favour of prioritizing care for non-smokers. Over 85% considered useful or very useful the introduction of methods to combat dependency in Health Centres and among health staff.

Conclusions: There is a broad consensus on restricting tobacco consumption in determined places and applying methods in primary care to facilitate giving up tobacco. A critical attitude to the state on its tobacco policy was noted.