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Differences in tobacco assessment and intervention practices: a regional snapshot
D E Block1, K H Hutton, K M Johnson
1University of Minnesota School of Nursing, 135 Campus Center, 10 University Drive, Duluth, 55812, Minnesota, USA. dblock@d.umn.edu
Background:
This research describes tobacco attitudes and practices of health care providers in the Upper Midwest. A baseline measure of preventive practices by providers was needed to plan effective tobacco intervention education programs.
Methods:
Health care providers in a 16-county region received a mailed survey regarding tobacco assessment practices, intervention practices, attitudes, skills/knowledge, barriers, and desire for tobacco education. The survey was sent to all chiropractors, dentists, nurse practitioners/physician assistants, physicians (primary care and specialist), and public health nurses in the region. A total of 51.9% (n = 614) of all providers returned usable surveys.
Results:
Significant differences were found between provider groups on all measured concepts. Primary care physicians, nurse practitioners/physician assistants, and public health nurses were more likely than specialist physicians, dentists, and chiropractors to assess, intervene, be supportive of tobacco cessation, have skills/knowledge about cessation, perceive fewer barriers, and want further education.
Conclusions:
In this region, provider groups differed in tobacco use assessment and treatment. All provider groups desired education regarding tobacco intervention. Region-wide tobacco cessation educational initiatives need to take into account differences between provider groups.