The importance of tobacco cessation training for nurses in Serbia

This study assessed smoking prevalence, attitudes, and perceived patient counseling responsibilities among practicing nurses in Serbia. The need for nurses to receive tobacco cessation training is explored.

Data were collected through a cross-sectional survey of 230 nurses at public institutions in Belgrade, a health care center in Belgrade, and public health care facilities throughout Serbia.

The smoking prevalence was 52% for male nurses and 47% for female nurses. Nurses had the greatest mean level of agreement with statements about controlling smoking through policy, followed by statements about being role models. Only 15% (n = 35) of nurses regularly counseled their patients about smoking, and only 16% of nurses (45% of males vs. 12% of females, p < .0001) had received training in counseling patients about smoking. Nurses' training in counseling patients about smoking was positively associated with the nurses' belief that their counseling could help patients stop smoking or never start smoking. In addition, nurses with training in counseling patients about smoking considered themselves significantly better prepared to assist patients to quit smoking. Nurses who smoked were significantly less likely to believe that their counseling about smoking could be effective. They also felt significantly less well prepared to assist patients to quit smoking.

These findings show that nurses' training in tobacco cessation counseling results in greater self-perceived confidence and frequency of regular tobacco cessation counseling in Serbia.