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Hispanic physicians' tobacco intervention practices: a cross-sectional survey study
Francisco G Soto Mas1, Richard L Papenfuss, Holly E Jacobson
1Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, University of North Texas Health Science Center, Fort Worth, Texas, USA. fsotomas@hsc.unt.edu
BMC Public Health
|November 17, 2005
Summary
Hispanic physicians reported low rates of tobacco intervention practices, including asking about smoking status and advising cessation. Lack of training and time were key barriers, highlighting the need for targeted initiatives.
Area of Science:
- Public Health
- Medical Education
- Health Disparities
Background:
- U.S. Hispanic physicians are crucial for addressing the growing Hispanic population's health education needs, particularly tobacco prevention and cessation.
- Information on Hispanic physicians' tobacco intervention practices and training needs is limited.
- This study addresses the gap in understanding Hispanic physicians' current tobacco intervention strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the tobacco intervention practices of Hispanic physicians in the U.S.
- To identify the tobacco training needs of Hispanic physicians.
- To inform the development of targeted tobacco cessation programs for this demographic.
Main Methods:
- A validated survey instrument was administered to a cross-sectional sample of self-identified Hispanic physicians.
- Data analysis involved frequencies, descriptive statistics, and factorial analyses of variance.
- The study captured current intervention rates, awareness of protocols, and perceived training needs.
Main Results:
- Less than half of Hispanic physicians routinely asked about smoking status (44.4%) or advised patients to quit (42.2%).
- Intervention rates for assisting patients with smoking cessation and addressing secondhand smoke exposure were low (e.g., 4.4% for follow-up).
- Primary barriers included time constraints, insufficient training, patient receptivity, and lack of reimbursement.
Conclusions:
- Hispanic physicians' tobacco intervention practices fall below recommended guidelines, similar to U.S. physicians generally.
- Findings underscore a significant need for enhanced tobacco training and support for Hispanic physicians.
- The study provides a foundation for developing effective tobacco cessation training initiatives tailored to Hispanic physicians.