| Summary: | Background
Physicians have been
paramount to lead the change in tobacco consumption worldwide. Healthcare
team's advice on quitting has shown a small-sized but relevant effect.
Argentine physicians have been found to smoke like the general population and
adhere poorly to smoke-free rules in hospitals. The evidence-based National
Guideline for Tobacco Cessation recommends doctors and nurses to give a short
and strong advice to stop smoking. This study aimed to measure the quitting
advice effect in real-life on the decision to do it.
Methods
Secondary analysis from
the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) done in Argentina in 2012, restricted to
adult smokers of 18 years old or more. Results from a population-based study
were analyzed using multivariable logistic regression modelling for the association
of healthcare advice and a favorable attitude towards quitting (referring one
quit attempt during last year, quitted less than a year ago or reported
intention of quitting during the next month or year).
Results
Our sample included 1,717 smokers and
recent quitters representing 6,431,623 (mean age 40.21 years, 37.77% women).
Favorable attitude was present in 26.15% 95%CI 20.53-32.67 (mean age 41.41
years, 35.86% females). During the last year, 46.82% consulted the healthcare
system (51.06% females). Smoking status were asked in 80.29% of cases
and 76.51% received advice. Most of them referred 1 to 2 visits
(59.58%), 18.81% 3 to 5 visits and 21.58% 6 or more times. Multivariate
analysis showed medical advice was strongly associated with a favorable
attitude towards smoking cessation (OR 6.25 CI 95% 2.91-13.42) after adjusting by age, gender, educational level and income.
Conclusions
In Argentina, healthcare practitioner's advice is
strongly effective for promoting favorable attitude to quit regardless of age,
gender, educational level and income. Advice was not systematically offered
even after frequent visits. Additional strategies should be implemented to
increase its delivery.
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