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Smoking cessation interventions by family physicians in Texas
J L Franklin1, A F Williams, G M Kresch
1University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston 77030.
Texas Medicine
|November 1, 1992
Summary
Most Texas family physicians inquire about smoking, but few offer comprehensive cessation support. Patient attitudes and preferences are major barriers to physician involvement in smoking cessation counseling.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Family Medicine
- Tobacco Control
Background:
- Smoking cessation is a critical public health goal.
- Family physicians play a key role in advising patients to quit smoking.
- National Cancer Institute guidelines recommend specific interventions for smoking cessation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the extent of family physician involvement in smoking cessation counseling in Texas.
- To identify obstacles faced by Texas family physicians in providing smoking cessation support.
- To establish baseline data for future smoking cessation initiatives.
Main Methods:
- A survey was administered to 1,292 family physicians in Texas.
- The survey collected data on physicians' practices regarding smoking cessation counseling.
- Physicians reported on barriers encountered during patient counseling.
Main Results:
- 99% of surveyed physicians ask patients about smoking status.
- Fewer physicians engage in recommended cessation activities like follow-up, self-help materials, nicotine replacement therapy, or referrals.
- Approximately 80% of physicians cited patient-related factors (attitudes, preferences) as obstacles.
Conclusions:
- While screening for smoking is high, comprehensive cessation support by Texas family physicians is limited.
- Patient-related factors present significant challenges to effective smoking cessation interventions.
- Further strategies are needed to enhance physician engagement in smoking cessation counseling.