Evaluation of post-graduate training effect on smoking cessation practice and attitudes of family physicians towards tobacco control.

OBJECTIVE Family physicians (FPs) are cornerstone for tobacco control. It was aimed to compare the effect of training on their smoking cessation practice, knowledge level and attitudes towards smoking and tobacco control. METHODS AND MATERIALS The cross-sectional and multi-centered study was carried out using structured survey modified WHO based questionnaire. It was delivered to 1500 FPs randomly selected among approximately 23000 family physicians across the country. The study survey was self-reported by FPs, assessing their knowledge, attitudes, status of post-graduate training, and practice about tobacco control. Participants were assigned into two groups as non-trainee groups (Group 1) and post-graduate trainee (Group 2). RESULTS The mean age was 38.4 ± 7.1 years-old. The percentage of male and female FPs in the study was 53.1% and 46.9%. The ratio of family physicians who participated in training program Group 2) was 26.5% (n = 327). The ratio of female FPs who participated the SCP training course was significantly higher than that of male FPs (27.3% versus 22.5%, p = 0.035). There was no significant difference for smoking status between groups (p = 0.686). When the number FPs whose consulted by the smokers over ≥ 5 a week was compared, the ratio of FPs was significantly higher in group 2 than group 1 (p < 0.001), but overall ratio of FPs (2.8%) who consulted within a week smokers was considerably lower Statements of Competence and confidence items stated by all FPs were 24.2% and 32.2%, respectively. Physicians who had attended post-graduate training on SCP were more competent and confident, compared to non-trained FPs (p = 0.002 and p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Post-graduate training on tobacco control improved self-confidence and competence of FPs. With post-graduate training, significant improvement was seen in practical skills of physicians. A continuing training program should be introduced to FPs, to engage them for smoking cessation practice.