Effect of a Smoking Cessation Program on Inpatients in the Largest Hospital in Southern Iran

KNOWLEDGE AND ATTITUDE OF IRANIAN DENTAL STUDENTS ABOUT SMOKING CESSATION COUNSELING

Introduction and Aims

Today, smoking is recognized as the biggest cause of preventable premature death. dentists can play a very important role in motivating and providing smoking cessation counseling and play this role of line requires gaining sufficient knowledge and education during the student period. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the knowledge and attitude of dental students in Kerman in the field of smoking cessation counseling.

Methods and materials

This study was descriptive-analytical and crosssectional. The study population was fourth, fifth and sixth year dental students. A questionnaire was used to assess participants knowledge and attitude towards smoking cessation, using the 5 As of smoking cessation. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS 21, t-test and chi-square software.

Results

This study showed that the mean score of students' knowledge was 2.13 ± 14.12. There was a significant relationship between knowledge score, gender (women more than men) and the presence of a smoker in the family (P = 0.01, 0.001, respectively). Also, the mean attitude score was 36.25 41 5.41. There was a significant relationship between attitude score, gender (women more than men) and the presence of a smoker in the family (P = 0.01, respectively).

Conclusion

Results of this study showed that the students have good knowledge of the 5As (Ask, Advice, Assess, Assist, Arrange) but that they did not have much information about some parameters under Assess. Also, they have a positive attitude in this regard. Moreover, students believed that time limitations in dental visits and concerns on the effectiveness of smoking cessation consultations are the major obstacle in implementing a smoking cessation plan.

Acquaintance and Approach in the Direction of Tobacco Cessation Among Dental Practitioners-A Systematic Review

Background:

Nowadays, tobacco consumption has become one of the major public health problems and is the leading cause of escapable illness and death. A significant role is played by dental professionals in the identification of smokers; they are, thus, in a better position to offer preventive care. The aim of the present study was to systemically review the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners toward tobacco cessation.

Methods:

A literature search was performed in PubMed Central and Cochrane Library, Medline—PubMed, Embase, Google Scholar up to 2018 to identify appropriate studies. Full-text original research articles of the cross-sectional design were only included in the study. Our target was to systemically review the knowledge and attitude of dental practitioners toward tobacco cessation.

Results:

The present review included a total of nine articles (studies) that fulfilled the eligibility criteria. Two articles which were hand searched and one article which was obtained through contact with experts were included. The results of the review revealed that the dental practitioners in most of the included studies lack satisfactory knowledge and were unaware of existing referral pathways to specialist smoking cessation services. At the same time, most of the dentists have a positive attitude toward tobacco cessation.

Conclusions:

Dental professionals are aware of their obligations toward smoking cessation counseling for patients but certain barriers including lack of time, confidence, and training prevent them from practicing the same in their daily routine. The dental professionals should obtain appropriate training and attain knowledge along with quantifiable skills for the prevention and cessation of tobacco use.