Smokers' expectations toward the engagement of their general practitioner in discussing lifestyle behaviors

Barriers associated with the sparse engagement of general practitioners (GPs) in lifestyle counseling are well investigated. The aim of the study was (a) to explore to what extent smoking patients want to discuss about lifestyle; and (b) to investigate whether patient characteristics might influence the expectations to discuss smoking, alcohol, nutrition, or physical activity. Data were collected during the 24-month follow-up of a smoking cessation efficacy study. Participants were 1,029 patients. More than half of the patients expected that their GP should address smoking, alcohol, and nutrition in a proactive way. Patients who preferred to address the issue of smoking, alcohol, nutrition, and physical activity only for themselves were more likely to be female. Older patients were more likely to reject a discussion concerning these three lifestyle habits in general. Regarding smoking and alcohol, higher age predicted a lower readiness to use an extra appointment. There are some reservations among several patient groups to accept a GP-initiated offer for a discussion about lifestyle habits. Therefore, the improvement of skills and a high sensitivity to address lifestyle habits conveniently can have a large effect on public health.