Evaluation of Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors of Physicians Working in a University Hospital About Smoking Cessation Treatment.

Aim: Tobacco use is a preventable cause of morbidity and mortality and a global public health problem. It is clear that physicians need to increase their awareness, increase their level of knowledge, and change their negative attitudes and behaviours about smoking, which is a risk factor for many preventable diseases in the world. This study was planned to evaluate the knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of physicians working in a university hospital regarding smoking cessation treatments. Material and Method: This study was a descriptive and cross-sectional study. The study included 203 physicians. A printed questionnaire form was used to collect data. Nicotine dependence of the participants who smoked cigarettes was evaluated by Fagerström nicotine dependence test (FNBT). Data were analyzed using SPSS 23.0 statistical package form. A value of p<0.05 was accepted for statistical significance. Results: The mean number of correct answers given by the participants to a total of 20 questions measuring the level of knowledge about smoking cessation counselling was 13.41±3.80. Among the physicians, 14.3% (n=29) had received smoking cessation counselling training and 85.7% (n=174) had not received any training. When the knowledge scores of the participants were analyzed according to the status of receiving smoking cessation counselling training, it was seen that the mean correct answers given to the knowledge questions by the participants who received training were significantly higher (p=0.023). Conclusion: In addition to receiving smoking cessation counselling training, participants' having more time spent in medical education, such as being a specialist and lecturer, was found to be associated with higher awareness of smoking and more positive attitudes and behaviours regarding smoking cessation treatments. Increasing the number and quality of trainings related to smoking and smoking cessation counselling will make significant contributions to the awareness, knowledge, attitudes and behaviours of physicians on this issue. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]