Assessment of willingness and ability of doctors to manage tobacco abuse

Abstract

Background: Tobacco is a major concern in the field of public health which is a contributor to high morbidity and mortality. In the year 2017, tobacco usage caused 7.1 million deaths worldwide, and it has rightfully claimed the word silent pandemic. Main body: The research was based on a questionnaire form filled out by 412 doctors belonging to varied age groups and clinical specialties. Doctors were not only asking their patients about tobacco usage but also 83% of them advised their patients to quit or at least cut down tobacco use. Based on the survey report of our questionnaire, we are reassured that most doctors are aware of the public health implication of tobacco users although a very small number prescribes pharmacotherapy for tobacco cessation. Conclusion: This silent pandemic needs to be acknowledged and doctors need to be better equipped in their skills to help the patients quit using tobacco.

Keywords

• general decision-making style
• prevention
• tobacco