Assessing the Frequency of Smoking Status Inquiries: A Cross-sectional Analysis

This study aimed to evaluate the frequency with which smoking status was inquired about and smoking cessation advice was provided during patients' previous outpatient clinic visits.

This cross-sectional study was conducted at the Department of Family Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University Faculty of Medicine. Patients aged 18 years or older who voluntarily applied to the family medicine outpatient clinic were included. A total of 384 participants were administered a questionnaire, prepared by the researchers, that assessed sociodemographic characteristics and inquired about smoking status during previous visits, using the face-to-face interview method.

The mean age of the participants was 30±12.2 years, and 65.1% (n = 250) were female. Active smoking was reported by 22.1% (n = 85) of the participants. The rate of inquiry about smoking status at the participants' most recent outpatient visit was 28.4% (n = 109). Among current smokers, 28.2 (n = 24) received smoking cessation advice. Among current smokers, 11.8% (n = 10) had never received smoking cessation advice during previous medical encounters.

Inquiring about smoking status is a crucial step that should not be overlooked during any medical consultation. To provide effective smoking cessation recommendations, it is essential to identify tobacco users. Therefore, every patient encounter should be used as an opportunity for intervention.